By tamara When most people think about sports scholarships, they probably think about football, basketball, or baseball. Although it is more common for colleges to provide financial aid to athletes who participate in these sports, there are several colleges and organizations that provide awards for a different type of athlete. I’m talking about students who have spent their lives chasing the elusive ‘perfect game’ and those who can get a ‘turkey’ or a ‘hambone’ on a consistent basis. You won’t find these athletes in the pool or on a court; they prefer to challenge themselves indoors, avoiding goal posts at all costs. Who are these atypical athletes? They’re bowlers! It may come as a surprise, but students who participate in sanctioned bowling leagues have access to several athletic scholarships, especially those who are skilled at the sport. Here are just a few of the many college scholarships available to bowlers. 1. Alberta E. Crowe Star of Tomorrow Scholarship The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) offers one $6,000 scholarship to a female USBC member. The applicant must be a high school senior or current undergraduate student and must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher. The winner will also receive travel and hotel expenses to attend the annual USBC Convention. Deadline: December 1. 2. Curwen-Guidry Scholarship Fund The Southern Bowling Congress will provide a $500 scholarship to any high school senior, provided he/she meets the following criteria: (1) must have bowled in a Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA) sanctioned league for a minimum of three years in high school, (2) must have scored a 16 or higher on the ACT, (3) must have a grade point average of 2.5 or higher, and (4) must provide an official high school transcript. Deadline: March 15. 3. Davis Law Group Scholar Athlete Program Any student athlete, who is a high school senior and has a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, is eligible to receive one of the weekly $100 awards provided by the Davis Law Group. A total of 30 awards will be provided, with one female and one male athlete being chosen as the Davis Law Group Scholar Athlete of the Year. Each Scholar Athlete of the Year receives an additional $1,000 college scholarship. Applications will be available on March 15. 4. Chuck Hall Star of Tomorrow Scholarship The United States Bowling Congress (USBC) offers one $6,000 scholarship to a male USBC member. High school seniors and current undergraduate students with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible to apply. The winner will also receive travel and hotel expenses to attend the annual USBC Convention. Deadline: December 1. 5. Shocker Bowling Scholarships Wichita State University (WSU) offers several bowling scholarships for incoming students and current students. Applicants must be full-time students and must make the overall team roster (except incoming freshmen) to be eligible for aid. Two types of scholarships are provided: tuition scholarships and book loan scholarships. Approximately 25 tuition scholarships are available, valued at $700 or higher. There are also 25 textbook scholarships valued at $500 each. In addition to these awards, WSU also offers 11 other memorial/honorary scholarships for bowlers, ranging between $240 and $1,000 per semester. Deadlines: May 1 (fall disbursement) and December 1 (spring disbursement). 6. Dexter/USBC High School All-American Scholarship Any high school student (attending a U.S. school) with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, who also participates on his/her school’s bowling team, may be nominated for this award. A total of ten (10) $1,000 scholarships will be offered (five for boys and five for girls). Students must be nominated by their athletic directors or coaches. Deadline: March 22. Need more athletic scholarships? Check out the ScholarshipExperts.com Scholarship Directory for more opportunities!