Athleticism, Sportsmanship and Fan Management
Cheerleaders have gotten a bad rap over the years. They’ve been pooh-poohed among varsity athletics and disregarded for the adjunct services they provide. Today’s cheer teams are typically a high-energy co-ed stunt squad and one of the most important institutions in the collegiate athletic program.
What Cheerleaders Do
Think about it: a good cheer team is also instrumental in fostering an air of good-natured sportsmanship between fan bases and they also function as a source for fan management, if such a term could be used. In other words, an engaging and energetic cheer team is capable of channeling fan anxiety in more positive directions.
Top cheer teams not only perform for varsity sports events, but also participate in cheer competitions, and local and regional appearances and fundraisers.
Exploring your options for a cheer scholarship? Be ready to compete head-to-head in fast-paced tryouts, with others just as talented and spirited. The truth is that cheering is nearly as competitive as are some of the major NCAA collegiate sports.
College Cheer Scholarships
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University offers scholarships for their Red Cheer Team. Up to $1,000 is possible and awards are based on a combination of performance in a tryout and financial need. Scholarships may go to as many as 15 candidates. The IWU team is coed and a consistent top finisher in Division II competition.
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens Cheer Team attracts top cheerleaders looking for some very generous scholarship opportunities. A maximum award may be as much as $7,500 for in-state resident cheer athletes. Besides the school’s athletic games, the Hens also make public appearances for many different occasions.
Fort Hays State University
Scholarships for cheerleaders at Fort Hays State University in Kansas take the form of reduced dorm fees, up to $1,000. Of course this only benefits those willing to live in on-campus residences. However, the Tigers are funded in almost every other aspect, including travel, competitive uniforms, workout attire, and even tuition for high-level camp programs.
University of Hawaii
Think cheering for the University of Hawaii could be a panic? Not only does it promise the quintessential college beach environment, but there are over a dozen full-tuition scholarships up for grabs for varsity cheerleaders at U-Hawaii. UH has been a top finisher in the Best of the West semifinals that lead to the Universal Cheerleaders Association Collegiate National Championships.
Northwest Mississippi Community College
Northwest Mississippi Community College cheering scholarships go to athletes based on a combination of academics and athletic agility. This program is an example of a small but competitive team that works hard to fund education for good athletes. This cheer team is limited to women, is a regular at all home and away games, but does not participate in cheer competition.
Scholarships Come in Many Forms
Consider other ways in which your college cheering career could be financially rewarded . Full scholarships are just not plentiful enough for everyone and many programs must find other ways to appeal to athletes. Look for smaller incentives. For example Georgia Tech awards its cheer team members textbook and meal "scholarships," and Florida State Seminoles cheerleaders are rewarded with brand-name sports apparel, and all travel expenses plus stipends.