Charles B. Staats Memorial Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Charles B. Staats Memorial Foundation

Description

The Charles B. Staats Memorial Foundation (CBSMF) Scholarship supports graduating U.S. high school seniors who serve as swim coaches and who demonstrate academic commitment, leadership, and a passion for coaching. The award is intended to recognize the role of coaching in personal development and to encourage students to continue their education while remaining active contributors to their communities. The scholarship is awarded annually and is intended for well-rounded students who prioritize both academics and team leadership. Use of the award is restricted to college-related expenses.

- **Purpose:** Recognize and support student swim coaches pursuing a 4‑year college degree.
- **Target recipient:** Graduating U.S. high school seniors who are swim team coaches.
- **Focus:** Academic achievement, leadership, and demonstrated love of coaching.
- **Permitted uses:** Tuition, books, room & board, and mandatory school fees.

Eligibility

Eligibility is limited to graduating high school seniors in the United States who meet specific academic and coaching requirements. Applicants must have coached on a swim team (head or assistant) for at least two years and must be a coach during the summer immediately after graduation. Academic minimums and proof of college acceptance are required. Lifeguard or swim instructor roles alone do not satisfy the coaching requirement.

- **Residency/grade level:** U.S. high school seniors graduating in the application year.
- **Academic minimum:** Unweighted GPA of at least 3.0.
- **Coaching requirement:** Minimum two years of team coaching experience; must be a team coach (head or assistant) the summer after graduation.
- **Non-qualifying roles:** Swim instructor or lifeguard alone does not qualify.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit a set of required documents through the online application. Required materials include a completed ScholarsApp application, a swimming reference letter, a second non-family reference, standardized test scores or a waiver statement, an official or interim transcript, and proof of acceptance to an accredited four‑year college or university. Contact information for a team management representative (head coach or team manager) must be provided so CBSMF may verify coaching duties.

- **Online form:** Completed application via ScholarsApp.com.
- **References:** One swimming reference (required) and one additional non-family reference.
- **Academic documents:** Official high school transcript (interim acceptable at application) and SAT/ACT scores or waiver statement.
- **College acceptance:** Proof of acceptance to an accredited 4‑year college.
- **Coaching verification:** Team name and contact details for a management representative.

Application Process

Submit the application and all supporting documents online; incomplete applications are not eligible for award consideration. CBSMF reserves the right to contact the named swim team representative to verify coaching responsibilities and may request additional information from applicants if needed. A required swimming reference must be submitted for an application to be considered. Final award payments will not be issued until all required documentation, including the final transcript, is received.

- **Submission method:** ScholarsApp.com (opens 1/31/2026).
- **Verification:** CBSMF may contact team representatives to confirm coaching duties.
- **Additional requests:** Board may request further information to determine recipients.
- **Final documentation:** Final transcript required before scholarship disbursement.

Application Timeline

Key dates guide when applications open and when the Board determines award details. The online application portal opens January 31, 2026. The CBSMF Board of Directors will determine the 2026 award amount at its June 2026 meeting. Applicants should monitor ScholarsApp and CBSMF communications for any additional deadlines or updates.

- **Application opens:** January 31, 2026 (ScholarsApp.com).
- **Award determination:** Amount finalized at CBSMF Board meeting in June 2026.
- **Monitoring:** Watch for updates or additional deadlines from CBSMF.

Award Value

The scholarship amount for 2026 is anticipated to be $3,500 per year, subject to final approval by the CBSMF Board in June 2026. Funds may be applied to tuition, books, room and board, and mandatory school fees at an accredited four‑year institution. The award amount published prior to final board approval is an estimate and may be adjusted.

- **Anticipated 2026 amount:** $3,500 per year (subject to board approval).
- **Allowed expenses:** Tuition, books, room & board, mandatory fees.
- **Finality:** Amount confirmed by CBSMF Board in June 2026.

Renewal and Conditions

The CBSMF Scholarship may be renewed for up to three additional years (maximum four years total) at the same annual amount, provided the recipient meets annual conditions set by the Board and signs the Annual Scholarship Agreement. Renewal is contingent on meeting academic and other requirements specified by the Board each year. Recipients must comply with renewal reporting and any conditions outlined in their executed agreement.

- **Maximum duration:** Renewable up to 4 years total (initial year + up to 3 renewals).
- **Condition for renewal:** Compliance with Board’s annual conditions and signed scholarship agreement.
- **Reporting:** Recipients must meet any reporting or documentation requirements specified by CBSMF.

History of the Award

The CBSMF Scholarship was established to honor Charles B. Staats’s commitment to coaching and to emphasize coaching’s influence on young people’s lives. The foundation believes that the discipline, focus, and leadership developed through coaching translate into broader personal and academic success. The scholarship celebrates and incentivizes students who commit time and leadership to swim teams while pursuing higher education.

- **Origins:** Created to honor Charles B. Staats and his passion for coaching.
- **Philosophy:** Coaching builds transferable skills—discipline, leadership, and focus.
- **Legacy goal:** Inspire future leaders who remain active in community coaching.