Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by National Collegiate Athletic Association

Overview

The Walter Byers Graduate Scholarship is awarded annually to two graduating NCAA student-athletes who combine outstanding academic performance with leadership and community service. The scholarship supports graduate study and recognizes individuals who have excelled both in the classroom and in intercollegiate competition. Nominees undergo a competitive review and finalists are interviewed before final selection. Recipients receive financial support to pursue advanced degrees at accredited institutions.

Description: An annual, nonrenewable scholarship that honors high-achieving student-athletes and supports their graduate education.

• Awarded to two student-athletes each year.
• Recognizes academic excellence, leadership, and service.
• Supports graduate study at accredited institutions.

Eligibility

Applicants must be graduating seniors from NCAA member institutions who have competed at the varsity level. Eligibility requires a strong undergraduate record and a demonstrated commitment to leadership and service. Candidates must intend to enroll full-time in an accredited graduate program and meet the required minimum GPA. The selection process favors applicants who combine scholastic achievement with contributions to their teams and communities.

Eligibility: Must be a graduating senior at an NCAA member institution, have participated in varsity intercollegiate athletics, maintain a cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 3.50, intend to enroll full-time in an accredited graduate program, and demonstrate exceptional character, leadership, and service.

• Graduating seniors from NCAA member schools only.
• Varsity athletic participation required.
• Minimum cumulative GPA typically 3.50 or higher.

Nomination and Selection Process

Institutions nominate candidates through their Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) or a designated administrator. A national committee reviews nominations and selects finalists for virtual interviews before making final awards. The process emphasizes holistic assessment, taking academics, athletics, leadership, and future plans into account. Final decisions balance past accomplishments with the applicant’s potential for graduate success.

• Nominations submitted by institutional FAR or designated administrator.
• Finalists participate in virtual interviews.
• Selections made by a national review committee.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee evaluates nominees across four primary areas to identify candidates who best combine scholarship, athletic participation, leadership, and future potential. Academic achievement is measured by undergraduate record and intellectual engagement. Athletic participation considers varsity-level involvement and meaningful team contributions. Leadership and service assess campus and community impact, while future potential weighs clarity and viability of graduate study goals.

Academic Achievement: Outstanding undergraduate record and demonstrated intellectual curiosity.

Athletic Participation: Varsity-level competition with substantive team contributions.

Leadership & Service: Positive campus and community impact beyond athletics.

Future Potential: Clear vision and capacity to contribute in the chosen graduate field.

• Holistic review across four defined areas.
• Emphasis on both past performance and future plans.
• Interviews inform final committee decisions.

Award Details

Two recipients—one female and one male—are selected each year and each receives a one-time payment to support graduate study. The scholarship is nonrenewable and requires recipients to enroll full-time in an accredited graduate program. Funds may be applied toward tuition, fees, books, and other related educational expenses. Award administration aligns with the recipient’s chosen accredited institution and program.

Award Value: One-time payment of $24,000 per recipient to be used for graduate study expenses at an accredited institution.

• Two recipients each year (one female, one male).
• $24,000 awarded as a single, nonrenewable payment.
• Requires full-time enrollment in an accredited graduate program.

Benefits

Beyond financial support, the scholarship enhances recipients’ academic and professional profiles by recognizing their combined achievements in scholarship and sport. It provides flexibility to pursue any field of graduate study at an accredited institution that best aligns with the recipient’s goals. Recipients join a distinguished network of scholars which can bolster career and academic opportunities. The award underscores the value of leadership and service as integral components of a successful student-athlete career.

• Financial support for graduate education.
• Flexibility to pursue any accredited graduate program and field.
• Prestige and networking benefits within a distinguished scholar community.

History

The scholarship is named for Walter Byers, the NCAA’s first executive director, and was established to honor student-athletes who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and service. It has become a prominent national recognition within collegiate athletics for outstanding scholar-athletes. Over time, recipients have been noted for their contributions to both their academic disciplines and communities. The award continues to highlight the NCAA’s commitment to supporting academic achievement among student-athletes.

History of the Award: Named after the NCAA’s first executive director, the award honors the intersection of scholarship, leadership, and athletic participation.

• Named in honor of Walter Byers, the NCAA’s first executive director.
• Established to recognize top scholar-athletes nationally.
• Maintains a legacy of supporting graduate study and leadership.