Expanding Horizons: Scholarships, Internships, and Opportunities Beyond Sports
As a dedicated athlete, you've honed discipline, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that are invaluable beyond the playing field. Exploring scholarships, internships, and leadership programs can further your personal and professional growth. Here's a guide to opportunities that can help you thrive outside of sports.
Scholarships for Female Athletes
Pursuing higher education can be financially challenging, but several organizations offer scholarships tailored for female athletes:
The Lindsey Vonn Foundation Scholarships: Provides financial aid to young women aged 10 to 18, supporting academic and enrichment activities to help them reach their goals. lindseyvonnfoundation.org
Women's Sports Foundation's Student-Athlete Programs: Offers scholarships to female high school seniors entering college, emphasizing academic excellence, athletic participation, and financial need. womenssportsfoundation.org+1scholarships.com+1
National Strength and Conditioning Association Women's Scholarship: Supports women pursuing degrees in fields like exercise science, athletic training, or strength and conditioning. Big Future+1scholarshipsforwomen.net+1
Internships and Leadership Development
Gaining practical experience and leadership skills is crucial for career advancement. Consider these programs:
Association for Women in Sports Media (AWSM) Internships: Since 1990, AWSM has placed over 200 female college students in sports media careers, offering internships in writing, broadcast production, and media relations. awsmonline.org
Women's Sports Foundation's Athlete Leadership Connection (ALC): An annual event connecting top industry leaders with female athletes, aiming to inspire and cultivate leadership skills both on and off the field. womenssportsfoundation.org
Women Leaders in Sports: Provides year-round leadership development, career training, and access to a powerful network, accelerating the leadership potential of women to positively impact sports. womenleadersinsports.org+1womenleadersinsports.org+1
Additional Resources
We Play Interactive: A free resource offering professional development training and theme-based activities for coaches and program leaders serving girls through physical activity and sports. womenssportsfoundation.org
Women in Sport Spring Series 2025: A series of events designed to empower women in the sport industry, offering valuable mentorship, networking, and leadership development opportunities. CNR NCSU
Female Athlete Courses by The Sports Financial Literacy Academy: Focuses on developing female leadership through events and seminars, where female athletes share their testimonials and celebrate their success. CNR NCSU+8Money Smart Athlete+8womenleadersinsports.org+8
Taking the Next Step
Embarking on opportunities beyond sports requires initiative and exploration. Here are steps to guide you:
Identify Your Interests: Reflect on areas you'd like to explore, such as media, coaching, business, or science.
Research Opportunities: Utilize the resources above to find programs aligning with your interests and career goals.
Prepare Your Application: Highlight your athletic experience, emphasizing transferable skills like leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.
Seek Mentorship: Connect with professionals in your desired field for guidance and support.
Stay Engaged: Participate in workshops, seminars, and networking events to broaden your horizons and build valuable connections.
Remember, the skills you've developed as an athlete are powerful assets in any endeavor. Embrace these opportunities to grow, learn, and lead beyond the world of sports.
For more insights and resources, visit the Women's Sports Foundation and Women Leaders in Sports.
