Bob Warnicke Memorial Scholarship

The Bob Warnicke Memorial Scholarship Program was established in 1995, to honor the memory of the National Bicycle League's late vice president. Bob passed away November 16, 1994, at the young age of 48 years. Bob played a very active role in BMX for 10 years and was well known for his instrumental role in bringing BMX to millions of viewers through the airing of the "NBL Road to Glory Series" on ESPN and ESPN2. His accomplishments in television promotion resulted in his being named the NBL's Volunteer of the Year at Competition Congress in 1994.

More than anything, Bob was a person who cared deeply about the sport of BMX. His dedication showed his commitment to the youth who benefited from his efforts. This scholarship program helps to preserve Bob Warnicke's legacy of love by contributing to the futures of deserving USA BMX and BMX Canada members in his name.

PURPOSE: The Bob Warnicke Memorial Scholarship Fund was created to assist students and their families in meeting the costs of undergraduate college education, trade school, etc.

ELIGIBILITY: Members who have a current USA BMX/BMX Canada license or Track Operators/Officials who participate in BMX racing events sanctioned by the USA BMX/BMX Canada.

DEADLINE: January 26, 2026.

HOW AWARDED: The awards will be announced April 17, 2026 via the USA BMX website. Award recipients will be sent a letter and form to complete and return to the USA BMX. Upon receipt of the completed form, the check will be sent directly to the financial aid office of the recipient's intended school.

SELECTION PROCEDURE: The Scholarship Committee will review the application materials and select who they feel are the most deserving applicants. A formal interview or telephone interview may be conducted by the committee with each of the selected applicants.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To qualify for consideration for the grant, a student must:

1. Be a high school senior, graduate, or attending a post-secondary school at the time of application.

2. Be accepted and plan to attend an accredited post-secondary school as a full-time or part-time student for the complete award year.

3. Have a current USA BMX/BMX Canada license or be a Track Operator/Official who participates in BMX racing events sanctioned by the USA BMX/BMX Canada.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

1. Complete the formal application.

2. Attach a copy of the letter of acceptance from the school you plan to attend if you are currently in high school or plan on changing colleges, only. (If you have not received your acceptance letter, attach a note indicating so and send the acceptance letter to connie@usabmx.com as soon as you receive it.)

3. Submit two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from a USA BMX/BMX Canada Track Operator or Official that is not related to you. The second letter must be from a school/college guidance counselor, teacher or business reference, not related to you. These letters should state what they feel are your outstanding characteristics and why they feel you should receive this award. (NOTE: Applicants who have applied for a scholarship in previous years must submit reference letters from different people each year.)

4. Write an essay regarding the question listed on the application. Your answer may not exceed one page in length. Essay question is: What have you learned from someone who is very different from you and how have you applied that to your own life today. Please elaborate.

5. Submit a current transcript from the school(s) that you are currently attending. Transcripts must show your name and current GPA.

6. Submit two photographs (one headshot without your helmet and one in full race gear) with the application for publication.

NOTE:

• DOUBLE CHECK YOUR ATTACHMENTS TO VERIFY THE CORRECT INFORMATION IS ATTACHED.
• ALL REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED.
• ALL REQUIREMENTS MUST ACCOMPANY THE FORMAL APPLICATION, DO NOT FILE ITEMS SEPARATELY.
• ANY APPLICATION RECEIVED AFTER THE DEADLINE WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

If you have any questions please contact Connie Shepler at connie@usabmx.com.