Team DC College Scholarships

Since 2008 Team DC along with our 45+ member organizations have given 106 students and more than $165,000 in direct financial support.

We are pleased to continue to recognize LGBTQ student-athletes and will award several $2500 scholarships at the annual Night of Champions Gala on April 5th, 2025. Each of these students has demonstrated leadership both in the classroom and on the athletic field and are truly deserving of this recognition.

Team DC College Scholarships are given annually to openly LGBTQ student-athletes from high schools in the greater Washington, DC region. Scholarship Co-Chair Charles Roth said, “Since the Scholarship Program was created in 2008, our goal has been not only to support openly out student-athletes, but to educate and foster discussions with coaches, educators, and other school administrators about the challenges facing LGBTQ athletes.

Team DC Student-Athlete Scholarships are awarded to self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) student-athletes who have contributed to the sport in which they participate and enhanced the perception of the LGBTQ+ community as a result of their contributions and involvement. Candidates must demonstrate dedication to both academic and athletic excellence as well as show promise as an LGBTQ+ role model.

Eligibility Criteria

• Reside in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area comprising 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), and St. Mary’s County (MD), Charles County (MD) and Anne Arundel County (MD).
• Self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. IMPORTANT: Team DC is aware of potential issues around self-disclosure, and we respect the privacy of all applicants. Applicants do not have to be public in their self-disclosure, but they must self-identify as LGBTQ in order to be considered for this scholarship.
• Attend high school as a senior with demonstrated academic success.
• Participate actively in interscholastic athletics or a competitive sport (club sport, recreational league, etc.). Sports include, but are not limited to, baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading/competitive cheer, crew, cross country, fencing, figure skating, field hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rugby, sailing, skiing, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, volleyball, water polo, or wrestling. Activity in other sports may be considered. NOTE: Applicants receiving other athletic scholarships must adhere to all NCAA rules concerning eligibility and reporting requirements.
• Intend to enroll in a full-time, undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college or university.

Applicants for the Team DC Student-athlete Scholarship cannot be related to a member or the domestic partner of any member of the Team DC Scholarship Committee or Team DC Executive Committee and staff.

The following components are required to complete the Team DC Student-athlete Scholarship application:

• Form with contact information found on the Team DC website.
• Official, sealed high school transcript mailed to Team DC or emailed from a school administrator’s account to scholarship@teamdc.org.
• Personal essay (maximum of 1,500 words) describing how inclusivity of LGBTQIA+ athletes in school sports has played an essential role in your life. How has your openness about your sexual orientation or gender identity impacted your participation and involvement in athletics, school life, and life outside of school?
• Two (2) letters of support from individuals qualified to address the candidate’s suitability for this award.
• OPTIONAL: Applicants are encouraged, but not required, to submit a copy of their Student Aid Report (SAR) indicating the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The SAR is a summary of the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial need may be considered in situations where the applicants are equally qualified.

In order to award a scholarship, the recipient must supply a copy of the acceptance letter for their chosen college or university. Team DC is unable to award funds until this acceptance letter has been received. Although not required prior to awarding a scholarship, consider this an application requirement although this letter can be submitted after the application deadline.