USRA Scholarship Program

scholarship program

The USRA Scholarship Program is an annual scholarship awards program administered by the USRA Scholarship Committee, under the direction and guidance of the USRA Board of Directors. Completed applications are due on JUNE 15 of any given year.

Applying for a Scholarship

Applicants may request a scholarship package by calling 719-635-5396, or download a .pdf version. The scholarship application, all forms and instructions for completing the application are included in this package. The completed application with all enclosures must be returned to the USRA, no later than June 15 preceding the beginning of the school year.

Only one application per student will be accepted. Additionally, if the applicant wishes to be considered for a scholarship based on financial need, he/she must state in a separate letter and provide any information they deem appropriate for this consideration. All financial data will remain confidential.

Eligibility

An applicant must be an USRA member at the time the initial application is submitted and must maintain USRA membership throughout the grant period. Although most applicants will be those who will be graduating from high school in June of the year they apply, students already in college who are otherwise eligible, may submit an application for scholarship. All applicants must be currently enrolled or accepted in a full-time program at an accredited college, university, vocational or technical school.

Payment of Scholarship Awards

In the case of successful candidates, scholarship checks will be made payable to both the student and the educational institution and will be sent directly to the student. Both parties must sign the check before it can be cashed. A form requesting confirmation of acceptance to an educational institution will be sent to the successful candidate prior to the disbursement of the funds. Checks will be mailed to the student on or about November 1, of the school year.

Application Renewal

Persons submitting applications for the renewal of scholarship grants must re-submit a complete application for consideration. Applicants that previously submitted an application and were not awarded a scholarship must also re-submit a new application for consideration.

Committee

The scholarship committee consists of five persons appointed by the USRA president. The committee has the responsibility for the programs overall operation. The committee will establish application policies and procedures, review applications and submit their evaluation and recommendations to the USRA Board of Directors. The committee will present its recommendations regarding the number of awards and dollar amounts (normally $500) of scholarships to be awarded for the ensuing year to the Board of Directors at the annual Fall Board Meeting.

Administration

Receipt, preparation and assembly of all scholarship applications for review by the scholarship committee will be done by the USRA staff. Notification of applicants concerning selection, arrangement for the disbursement of funds, and any other administrative tasks required, will be done by the USRA staff. The USRA Scholarship Program will be publicized to the general membership in RACQUETBALL Magazine, the official publication of the USRA.

Funds

Funds for the scholarship program are primarily provided from donations by the National Masters Racquetball Association, USRA members or other fund raisers that may be approved by the Board of Directors. Monies awarded to scholarship recipients will be administered by the college, university, or vocational/technical institution in which the recipient is enrolled. In the event that the student completes only a portion of the scholarship year, the unused scholarship funds will be returned to the USRA. Grant monies may be applied to payment of tuition, textbooks, instructional material, room/board, and other miscellaneous fees, directly related to the field of study.

All applicants considered for scholarships will be advised in writing as to their selection or non-selection. USRA racquetball scholarships are not limited by race, color, creed, sex, religion, or national origin.

Students awarded scholarships in the past may re-apply for subsequent year awards. Students who previously applied but were not selected to receive an award are also encouraged to re-apply.