Team DC College Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Team DC

Application Deadline: February 13, 2026

Overview
Team DC Student‑Athlete Scholarships honor self‑identified members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have positively impacted their sport, advanced perceptions of LGBTQIA+ people through athletic participation and leadership, and who demonstrate both academic and athletic achievement. Awardees are expected to serve as role models and ambassadors for inclusion.

Eligibility
To be considered, applicants must satisfy all of the following:

- Residency: Live in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, including any of the following jurisdictions: Arlington County (VA); Calvert County (MD); the District of Columbia; City of Alexandria (VA); Fairfax County (VA); Loudoun County (VA); Montgomery County (MD); Prince George’s County (MD); Prince William County (VA); St. Mary’s County (MD); Charles County (MD); or Anne Arundel County (MD).
- LGBTQIA+ Identity: Self‑identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or another identity within the LGBTQIA+ community. Team DC protects applicant privacy; public disclosure is not required, but self‑identification is necessary for eligibility.
- Education: Be a current high school senior or enrolled in a postsecondary program and show evidence of academic success.
- Athletic Involvement: Currently participate in interscholastic or competitive athletics — this includes school teams, club teams, recreational leagues, or community programs.
- Eligible sports include but are not limited to: baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, crew, cross country, dance, fencing, figure skating, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, marching band, rugby, sailing, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, and wrestling.
- Other sports may be considered; email [email protected] with questions.
- College Intent: Plan to enroll full‑time in an undergraduate program at an accredited two‑ or four‑year college or university.
- Conflict of Interest: You may not be related to or be the domestic partner of any member of the Team DC Scholarship Committee, the Executive Committee, or staff.

Application Materials (required)
A complete application packet must include:

1. Application form (completed)
2. Personal essay — up to 1,500 words
- Suggested topics (address some or all): the role of LGBTQIA+ inclusivity in school sports in your life; how your LGBTQIA+ identity has affected your athletic participation and involvement in school and beyond; examples of your leadership or ambassadorial experience promoting inclusion.
- Submission options: upload with the application form, email to [email protected], or mail with other materials. If using Google Drive, be sure sharing permissions allow access by [email protected].
3. Two letters of recommendation
- Recommenders should be familiar with your character and qualifications (e.g., coach, teacher, employer).
- Each letter must state the writer’s relationship to you and provide contact information (email and phone).
- Letters must be sent directly by the recommender — either from an institutional email to [email protected] or mailed in a sealed envelope to the Team DC office. Applicant‑submitted letters will not be accepted.
4. Official transcript
- Sent directly from a school administrator’s account to [email protected] or mailed in a sealed envelope to the Team DC office.
5. Optional: Student Aid Report (SAR)
- A copy of your FAFSA Student Aid Report showing your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is encouraged but not required.
- If applicants are otherwise equally qualified, financial need may be taken into account. SARs can be included with your application, emailed, or mailed.

Submission reminders
- Ensure recommenders and your school send materials directly as specified. Documents sent by applicants on behalf of recommenders or school officials will not meet requirements.
- For any questions about sports not listed or submission details, contact [email protected].

Timeline and Award Activities
- Application portal: Open now
- Application deadline: February 13, 2026
- Notification of recipients: Late February 2026
- Scholar recognition: Recipients will be honored at the Team DC Night of Champions Gala in April 2026 (details to be announced). Attendance is encouraged but not mandatory; recipients and one guest will receive complimentary admission.
- Ambassador opportunities: Scholars will be invited to represent Team DC at major summer events, such as Night OUT games with the Washington Nationals, Washington Spirit, Washington Mystics, Washington Commanders, Washington Wizards and D.C. United, as well as the Capital Pride Parade and other community celebrations.

For further information or to submit materials, email [email protected].