Special Awards

NOVO NORDISK DONNELLY SCHOLARSHIP

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JONATHAN G. EPSTEIN SPIRIT OF TENNIS SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is named in memory of Jonathan G. Epstein, former President of FILA North America and industry leader whose passion for tennis left an indelible mark on the sport and the brand. Epstein’s entrepreneurial spirit and vision led FILA to significant business successes and prominence as a leader in the athletic apparel and footwear industry.

Awarded to a high school senior who has excelled academically, and demonstrates good character, community leadership and sportsmanship. The student should have participated in an NJTL and be entering a four-year college or university program.  A $15,000 scholarship will be provided over the course of four years to cover costs of tuition, room and board and educational materials. These scholarships will be paid directly to the college or university in which the student is enrolled.

MARTIN MULLIGAN SR. SPIRIT OF TENNIS SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship is named in honor of Martin Mulligan Sr., a former top 10 professional tennis player with 72 career titles, including three Italian Opens, Wimbledon Finalist and current Global Tennis Marketing Executive at FILA. At the end of his playing career, Mulligan transitioned to become the Italian Davis Cup coach before he began his career at FILA. 

Awarded to a high school senior who has excelled academically, and demonstrates good character, community leadership and sportsmanship. The student should have participated in an NJTL and be entering a four-year college or university program.  A $15,000 scholarship will be provided over the course of four years to cover costs of tuition, room and board and educational materials. These scholarships will be paid directly to the college or university in which the student is enrolled.

MARIAN WOOD BAIRD COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is named in honor of the late Marian Wood Baird, who has been recognized by the USTA for over 40 years of volunteer service. Honors bestowed on Mrs. Baird included her induction into the Western Tennis Association Hall of Fame in 1994, the 1993 USTA Seniors’ Service Award and the 1979 USTA Service Bowl. The scholarship is generously supported by the Baird Family, and it is their wish that the recipient maintain contact with them.

The Marian Wood Baird Scholarship is available to high school seniors who have excelled academically, demonstrated achievements in leadership and participated extensively in an organized community tennis program (such as USTA School Tennis, USTA National Junior Tennis League (NJTL), USTA Team Tennis or USTA High Performance or other such qualified programs as determined by the Scholarship Committee). Applicants must demonstrate sportsmanship on and off the court.

A scholarship up to a maximum total of $15,000 will be awarded over a term of four years to a student who is entering a four-year college or university program.

The recipient of the Marian Wood Baird Scholarship is eligible to receive $3,750 per year for a total of up to $15,000 to cover costs of tuition, room and board and educational materials. The scholarship will be paid directly to the college or university in which the student is enrolled and is disbursed annually based on the recipient's standing with his/her college.

Need Based

The following named scholarship awards will range from $10,000 - $80,000, which will be distributed over four years and administered directly to the college or university which the student is enrolled. The amount awarded to each winner will be based on the individual financial need of the student. 

These scholarships will be awarded annually to up to 35 students who have excelled academically, demonstrated community service and participated in National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) programming. 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be used to determine need.

ROSALIND P. WALTER COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is named in honor of the late Rosalind Palmer Walter, who was responsible for funding the first USTA Foundation scholarship in 1994, well before a comprehensive program was put in place. Mrs. Walter’s commitment to tennis and education didn’t stop with her service to the USTA Foundation Board. She served on the Board of the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Long Island University, and was a Trustee of WNET Channel Thirteen and The Paley Center for Media. During World War II, Mrs. Walter was a riveter, where she worked the night shift on a Corsair, building the F4U marine gull-winged fighter airplane and is the inspiration for the 1942 song "Rosie the Riveter." She took tremendous pride knowing that the hard work, dedication and precision she put into her job helped save lives.

DWIGHT F. DAVIS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Dwight Filley Davis began playing tennis at the age of 15 in 1894. In 1900, the year he graduated from college, Mr. Davis purchased a 217-troy ounce silver bowl as a prize for an international lawn tennis competition. This was the birth of the Davis Cup. Mr. Davis became president of the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association in 1923. This scholarship was created by the late Dwight F. Davis, III, grandson of Dwight Filley Davis, and is now generously supported by the Davis family.  It is their wish that the recipients maintain contact with them.

DWIGHT MOSLEY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
This scholarship was named in memory of Dwight A. Mosley, the first African American elected to the USTA Board of Directors. The Dwight Mosley Scholarship is available to high school seniors of ethnically diverse heritage who have excelled academically and participated extensively in an organized community tennis program. Applicants must demonstrate sportsmanship on and off the court.

DONALD LAWSON TISDEL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The general college scholarship fund was renamed The Donald Lawson Tisdel College Scholarship Fund in late 2017, after the passing of USTA Foundation Board member Don Tisdel.  Mr. Tisdel believed that tennis provides opportunity in life. A top player in college, the US Air Force, and for 65 years in the Pacific Northwest and nationally, he possessed a passion for the game and cared deeply about giving back to strengthen his beloved sport. 

EVE KRAFT EDUCATION & COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is named in memory of Eve Kraft of Princeton, N.J., a tennis pioneer who introduced thousands of young people to the game of tennis, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Ms. Kraft became the first-ever women’s varsity tennis coach at Princeton in 1971 and led the team to an undefeated record during her three-year tenure.  She later founded and was director of the USTA Center for Education and Recreational Tennis in Princeton.

FAQ:

• What different types of scholarships are there?

  • Please visit the “Scholarship Opportunities” page and read more about the different types of scholarships currently available.

• How do I qualify for a USTA Foundation scholarship?

  • To be eligible for need-based scholarships at USTA Foundation, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Renewal FAFSA. The government uses this form to calculate an estimated family contribution (EFC). The financial aid office subtracts your EFC from your cost of attendance to determine your financial need. If you are determined to have financial need, you may be eligible for some need-based scholarships.

• Can I apply for multiple scholarships?

  • Yes, you can apply to all the opportunities for which you are eligible with only one application; however, you may not be selected as a recipient of more than one scholarship.

• What are the deadlines for USTA Foundation scholarship applications?

  • The 2024 scholarship application will be open until Wednesday, May 15th 2024, 11:59 PM EST.

• What information or documents do I need to have ready when applying for a USTA Foundation scholarship?

  • It is recommended that you have your FAFSA application completed prior to starting your USTA Foundation Scholarship application.

• How do I receive my scholarship funds?

  • If you are awarded a USTA Foundation Scholarship, funds will be disbursed directly to the college or university that you are enrolled in. More information on how the disbursement of funds will take place will be sent to you in an award letter.

• Does receiving a USTA Foundation scholarship affect other financial aid?

  • It is possible that receiving a USTA Foundation Scholarship can affect your aid eligibility through your school. Please contact your school financial aid office for more information on how your Financial Aid Package can be affected by outside scholarships.

• How long should my scholarship application essay be?

  • There is no minimum length for your essay. The submission box will accept a maximum of 2000 words.

• Do I need to submit letters of recommendation?

  • If you are selected to the next step you will be contacted with instructions on how to provide letters of recommendation.

• Do I need to pay the scholarship money back?

  • There is no need to pay the scholarship money back. If you are awarded a USTA Foundation scholarship, you will receive a terms document with further clarification.

• If I am awarded a scholarship, when do I receive the check?

  • If you are awarded a scholarship, funds will be disbursed directly to your college or university that you are enrolled in. To ensure this process happens in a timely manner, it is important that you and the educational institution respond promptly to the confirmation form.

• If I receive a scholarship one year, will I automatically receive an award for the following year?

  • If you are awarded a multi-year scholarship, you must timely complete a renewal form each year until all funds are disbursed to your college or university that you are enrolled in.

• When will I be notified if I am selected for a scholarship?

  • Notifications are expected to be sent by July 1, 2024 via email.

• What do scholarship funds typically cover?

  • The fund is intended to cover costs that can be paid directly through your school. This could be tuition, books, required resources (e.g. computer or software), or housing. This is dependent upon how your college or university handles the awarded funds. Please confer with your educational institution’s financial aid office for additional information.

• Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

  • Please contact our customer care team or scholarships@usta.com with any additional questions.

COLLEGE BOOTCAMP

• Will there be a 2024 College Bootcamp?

  • The USTA Foundation will hold a College Bootcamp in July 2024. If you are awarded a scholarship you will receive an invitation to participate in the USTA Foundation’s College Bootcamp that will be held in Orlando, FL. Please inform us of your interest in participating in your application. Awardees who express interest will receive additional information directly via email.

View Scholarship Application Page and Scholarship Guidelines