Unified Furthering Education Scholarship
Launching for the 2026-2027 academic year. This is an education-first scholarship for life after the mats.
Hard-Copy FolioAge Range
14-19
Annual Base Awards
$1,000 Total
Submission Type
Hard-Copy Folio
Purpose and Vision
Unified develops more than athletes. We develop leaders, problem-solvers, and disciplined young adults. This scholarship supports the next chapter into higher education, skilled trades, technical certification, and career advancement.
This is not a martial arts tuition scholarship.
It is a further-education scholarship for life after the mats.
Recruit and retain teens ages 14-19
Reward discipline, leadership, and character
Support college, trade school, certification, and career development
Give back to real-world education
Allow sponsor matching to expand awards
College and university tuition
Trade and technical school programs (HVAC, electrical, welding, automotive)
Massage therapy school
Certification and licensing programs
Required books, materials, and academic technology
Dormitory housing and required educational living expenses
Verified training tools and equipment tied to career advancement
Guideline: funds must be used strictly for furthering education or verified career advancement. Personal or recreational use is not allowed.
$500 - One male-identifying student
$500 - One female-identifying student
Sponsor matching can increase the total award pool
Awards may be one-time, semester-based, or certification-based
Age 14-19
Active Unified Jiu-Jitsu student for at least 1 year
Attend class at least 1x per week (more is strongly recommended)
Represent Unified in at least 3 tournaments in official Unified gear during the past year
Maintain a B+ average or higher
Complete 20 volunteer hours annually at or for Unified
Submit one personal essay and one recommendation letter
Digital submissions are not accepted. All applications must be submitted in a hard-copy folio at the Unified front desk.
Final Deadline: March 31, 2027
Incomplete folios will not be reviewed.
Folio Checklist
Scholarship Application
Personal Essay
Recommendation Letter
Grade Report / Transcript
Volunteer Log
22 points maximum + The King (final character decision)
Pawn #1
1 Points
Active Unified member for at least 1 year
Pawn #2
1 Points
Attend class at least 1x per week
Knight
3 Points
Represent Unified in at least 3 tournaments in the past year
Bishop
3 Points
Maintain a B+ average or higher
Rook
5 Points
Complete 20 volunteer hours annually (terms and conditions apply)
Queen
9 Points
Submit one recommendation letter
The King (No Numerical Points)
The personal essay is the tiebreaker and reflects voice, humility, heart, and character. Prof. Ryan retains final decision authority when required.
Total possible score without The King: 22 points.
All folios are reviewed by the Unified Scholarship Committee.
Chess-based scoring is applied to every applicant.
Ryan retains final decision authority.
Awards are presented at the end of the school year (May-June).