From local running clubs to national organizations, there are real dollars available for student runners. Many awards come from community foundations or track clubs that want to invest in athletes who give back through leadership, volunteering, and consistent participation. Keep transcripts, a short activities list, coach contacts, and a reusable essay ready. Because lots of these are regional, verify county or school eligibility before you apply.
Ben B. Cheney Student Athlete Scholarship
Official page: Ben B. Cheney Foundation Scholarship
Summary: Awards to one senior at each Pierce County high school for student athletes competing in WIAA varsity sports, including track and field.
Eligibility: High school seniors at eligible Pierce County, Washington schools who participated on at least one WIAA varsity team.
Award: $3,000.
Key dates: Opens in March, closes mid May, awards in June.
Traverse City Track Club Scholarship Endowment
Official page: TCTC Scholarships
Summary: Supports students from five northwest Michigan counties who embody the club’s mission through running and service.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors or current college students from Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, or Leelanau counties with involvement in running or running related activities.
Award: Typically $500–$2,500.
Key dates: Application window commonly late January to early March each year.
Amber Huber Memorial Scholarship
Official page: CFNIL Amber Huber Memorial Scholarship
Summary: Honors a student athlete who shows hard work, competitive spirit, and dedication.
Eligibility: Determined by CFNIL criteria set for the fund; track and cheer experience are part of the award’s legacy.
Award: Varies.
Key dates: Recent cycle opened Dec 1 and closed Feb 1. Check CFNIL for the current year.
Race Entry Student Scholarship
Official page: Race to Inspire Scholarship
Summary: Essay contest about how race preparation and participation inspired you.
Eligibility: Must verify college enrollment at an accredited U.S. university in the fall of the same year you submit.
Award: $500.
Key dates: Applications accepted Jan 1 through Aug 15. Winner notified on or before Oct 1.
Harold W. Canfield Memorial Scholarship
Official page: East Tennessee Foundation Canfield Scholarship
Summary: Honors a Knoxville Track Club founder by supporting seniors from specified East Tennessee counties who participate in community running.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from 10 listed counties, typically with KTC involvement and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Award: Up to $2,000 one year.
Key dates: Annual cycle managed by ETF and KTC.
AAU National Scholarship
Official page: AAU National Scholarships
Summary: National program launched to help AAU athletes with college costs.
Eligibility: Active AAU member, at least one year of AAU participation, current high school senior, good academic standing, community involvement, short video submission. Track and field athletes are eligible.
Award: Four awards of $25,000 each, paid to the college.
Key dates: Recent deadline was June 1, 2025. Monitor the AAU page for the next cycle.
Nike HSI Scholarship Program
Official page: Nike HSI Scholarship
Summary: Supports student leaders attending Hispanic Serving Institutions. While not track specific, track and field athletes at HSIs are eligible to apply.
Eligibility: Enrolled at an HSI, minimum cumulative GPA noted on the program site, selection based on merit with award amounts tied to demonstrated financial need.
Award: $5,000–$10,000.
Key dates: Applications typically open in August with a September deadline.
Hawthorne Wesley Scholarship
Official page: Atlanta Track Club Hawthorne Wesley Scholarship
Summary: Annual award for a male metro Atlanta senior who runs cross country and or track and field and shows academic and financial need.
Eligibility: Live in or attend school in the Atlanta All Metro area counties listed by ATC, compete in XC and or track and field, and plan to compete in college.
Award: $10,000.
Key dates: Applications due April 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Check ATC for the current cycle.
Wicked Running Club Scholarship
Official page: Wicked Running Club Scholarship
Summary: Scholarships for Essex County, Massachusetts high school seniors, presented at the club’s Miles Over the Moon race and funded by the Wicked Frosty Four.
Eligibility: Essex County HS seniors who participated in cross country or track and field.
Award: $1,000.
Key dates: Recent application instructions required submission by May 1, 2025. Check the club site each spring.
Quick tips for track athletes
- Ask your coach for a short endorsement and make sure they can verify your participation.
- Track community service. Many awards prioritize volunteering at club races and youth events.
- Apply to both regional club funds and broader athletic scholarships. Stack where allowed.
If you want, I can convert this into a web page with jump links and an at a glance comparison table filtered by state, award size, and deadline month.
