Planet Fitness Judgement Free Generation Scholarship

Planet Fitness is offering $5,000 scholarships to fifty deserving Boys & Girls Club teens who model the Judgement Fre, pro-kindness values for which Planet Fitness and Boys & Girls Clubs of America collectively stand. While many scholarships take into consideration only academics and/or athletics, this scholarship – part of Planet Fitness’ Judgement Free Generation® philanthropic initiative – celebrates and awards students who are creating kinder communities and contributing to a more accepting, welcoming and Judgement Free™ future.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a high school senior
• Be an active member of a Boys & Girls Club organization
• Model the Judgement Free, pro-kindness values through their words and actions
• Enroll in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college, vocational or technical school within one year of high school graduation
• Have the recommendation of a Club staff member

Awards

Up to fifty (50) awards of $5,000 will be awarded. Awards are to be used for education-related expenses for undergraduate study.

Awards are one-time only and not renewable.

Required Documents

Applicants must also complete the following requirements:

• Two short essays and a personal statement
• A short video
• A completed recommendation of a Club staff member

Selection of Recipients

Recipients will be selected based on a scored rubric that takes the following criteria into consideration:

1. Three written statements
   • 1500-2000 character essays on the following topics:
     • Essay One: What does being Judgement Free mean to you, and why do you think this mindset is important? In what ways do you actively promote acceptance, kindness, and belonging on a daily basis?
     • Essay Two: How do you believe that a Judgement Free environment can help create kinder, stronger communities and improve overall wellbeing? How will you personally contribute to creating Judgement Free future in the next chapter of your life?'
   • One 700-1000 character personal statement on how the applicant’s Boys & Girls Club experience has shaped the way they engage with and support their peers and communities.
2. A short video telling why the student is committed to spreading kindness.
   • Video content requirements
     • Prompts: Please respond to the following prompt, repeating the pre-written words and filling in your own answers. “I am committed to creating kinder communities by…[share actions]. This is important because…[share reasons for importance]“
     • Closing Statement: At the end of your video, please say the following phrase: I am a proud member of the Judgement Free Generation®!”
     • Length: 60 seconds or less
     • Format: YouTube video file saved as: .MOV, .MPEG4 or .MP4
3. Demonstrated leadership and participation in club, school and community activities and work experience
4. A recommendation from a Boys & Girls Club staff member with comments about the applicant’s demonstration of Judgement Free values
5. A short video telling why the student is committed to spreading kindness.

Additional Tips

1. To get the perfect shot:
   • Make sure the phone/device is turned sideways; by shooting horizontally, your video fills up the entire frame
   • Keep the camera steady
     • If possible, use a tripod with a mobile device adapter
     • OR, if you are shooting the video yourself, you can prop the device up on something stable or prop your elbow on a desk/table while you hold the device
     • OR, if a friend is shooting the video, have them seated across from you with their elbows resting on something stable for support
   • Stand or sit no more than 3 feet from the device  a shot that shows your upper torso is ideal
   • Do not zoom in on the camera, as it reduces the quality
   • If possible, please record in a well-lit space  natural lighting preferred
2. Speak loud and clear:
   • Find a quiet area with minimal background noise, such as cars, loud talking, televisions, fans, etc.
   • Avoid using any music in the background
   • If you make a mistake, make sure you start from the beginning of that particular thought and not from the middle of a sentence
3. Final reminders:
   • Make sure to look at the camera when speaking
   • Please avoid wearing clothes with highly-visible logos
   • Don’t overthink it remember to smile and show your personality in your response

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Planet Fitness. A one-time payment addressed to the scholar’s educational institution will be mailed to the recipient in July of their freshman year. Payments will not be made directly to the scholar.