The Olympic Games have long been a source of inspiration and aspiration for athletes and fans alike. They can even inspire you to find free money for college! From track & field or surfing to curling and figure skating, there are many scholarships that not only celebrate athletic talent but also recognize academic achievement, community involvement, and personal growth. Let’s explore just a few scholarship opportunities for student-athletes and super-fans based on the sporting events of the Summer and Winter Olympics.
Team USA Tuition Grants
The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee helps former and current Olympians and Paralympians pursue higher education through Team USA Tuition Grants. Members of Team USA are eligible to apply for up to $4,500 each year to go toward associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs as well as vocational school, trade-specific licensures or certificates, career development, test prep, and soft skill development courses. USOPC has also partnered with the educational platform Guild to provide access to more than 300 tuition-free and partially funded tuition programs for US Olympians who want to pursue undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in Business, Sports Administration, Technology, Communications, Marketing, Data Analytics, and more at institutions like Purdue Global and eCornell. Applications for grants, career coaching, and financial consulting are open year-round.
Race to Inspire Scholarship
Calling all track & field enthusiasts! Whether you run 5ks or marathons, you could win the Race to Inspire Scholarship by submitting a 1,000–2,000-word essay on what inspires you to run, any challenges you’ve faced, and what you’ve learned through your running experience. Applicants must show proof of enrollment at an accredited US college or university for the fall semester. Apply by August 15 for a chance to win this $500 award.
US Figure Skating Scholarships
Multiple US Figure Skating Scholarships are available for high school seniors, undergraduates, and graduate students who have competed in official US Figure Skating events. Requirements vary by award and program, with opportunities for amateur singles, pairs, ice dance skaters, synchronized skaters, BIPOC skaters, and more. Award amounts and due dates also vary—including February, May, August, and September deadlines—so be sure to pay attention so you can get your applications in on time!
Related: Gold-Medal Colleges for Winter Olympic Sports
Ambassadors of Aloha Scholarships
Here’s an opportunity that covers all the sports a water-loving athlete could pursue. High school seniors and full-time undergraduate students from Hawai‘i with financial need are eligible for Ambassadors of Aloha Scholarships sponsored by the Outrigger Duke Kahanamoku Foundation. Applicants should demonstrate the spirit of aloha through leadership and community involvement. They must also have participated in and plan to compete in canoeing, surfing, kayaking, swimming, diving, water polo, sailing, or volleyball in college. Awards typically range from $1,000–$3,500, with an annual deadline in March.
Charles B. Staats Memorial Foundation Scholarship
Let’s not forget about the amazing coaches who help Olympians push themselves to go for the gold! The Charles B. Staats Memorial Foundation Scholarship was created to acknowledge the importance of coaching in every swimmer's life. This renewable $3,000 award goes to one graduating high school senior in the US who is also a swim coach and loves what they do. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, at least two years of coaching experience, a recommendation letter from a senior swim coach or community leader, and proof of acceptance to a four-year college. Applications are due around the end of May each year.
Discover Fitness Foundation Scholarships
Based in Houston, Texas, the Discover Fitness Foundation is a nonprofit that awards athletic scholarships to promote access to activities that increase fitness and gymnastic skills, reduce obesity, and meet special physical needs for elementary, middle, and high school students. Scholarships for applicants ages four to 18 with financial need are available in four areas, including Talent and Fitness Talent for gymnasts in levels 1–10 or elite Junior Olympics. Deadlines fall on May 15, August 15, and December 15 to coincide with gymnastic academy enrollment semesters. Though the Foundation works with a network of affiliate and partner gyms across the US, they encourage currently unaffiliated gyms to participate in their scholarship program, with a required minimum of three athletes applying from the same gym.
Related: Gold-Medal Colleges for Summer Olympic Sports
SF CalHeat Handball Scholarship
Not to get too specific, but if you’re a graduating senior who’s played handball for the San Francisco Bay Area Youth Team Handball League for at least two years and want to continue playing in college, this is the scholarship for you. Established in 2023, the SF CalHeat Handball Scholarship awards $500 each year for four years to one lucky member who plans to join or create a Team Handball Club in college. Applicants must write a 500-word essay on the ways handball has enriched their lives and how they plan to promote the sport’s development in the US. Look out for another application cycle next year, with a deadline around the end of April or the beginning of May.
Kim Freeman Theilmann Scholarship
Named in memory of Kim Freeman Theilmann—a groundbreaking leader, mentor, and the first female President of the Grand National Curling Club—the Kim Freeman Theilmann Scholarship supports young female curlers who embody her spirit and competitive drive. This $1,000 annual award recognizes GNCC female athletes under age 18 who are actively competing in regional, national, or international curling events. Applicants must be dues‑paying members of a GNCC club and submit materials by September 1, with the winner announced on October 1. Entirely funded by donations, this scholarship honors Kim’s legacy of breaking barriers and championing junior women’s curling.
BigSun Scholarship
Is your favorite Olympic Game missing from this list? No problem! Because the BigSun Athletic Scholarship is for any student-athlete, regardless of sport, level, or commitment. If you're a high school senior or college student who has participated in any sport in any capacity, you're eligible to apply. You must submit an essay of 500–1,000 words on how participating in high school sports has influenced you and your career goals. The next deadline is June 19, 2025, and the award is $500.
Scholarships can significantly alleviate the financial burden of college, allowing you to focus on your studies and passions. All these scholarships reward dedication and hard work, from essay writing to community involvement to athletic leadership. Whether you’re an aspiring Olympian, a casual athlete, or just an enthusiastic fan of the Games, you can benefit from these opportunities that support your journey both on and off the field.
There are about a million other sports-related scholarships out there. Find them using our Scholarship Search tool, and keep all your research organized using our Scholarship Search Spreadsheet Template!
