NCAA Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship Grant

NCAA Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: National Collegiate Athletic Association
Amount: US $10,000
Last Updated: September 19, 2025

Summary

The NCAA Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship honors the legacy of journalist Jim McKay by awarding a one-time $10,000 scholarship to one male and one female student-athlete annually. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, demonstrate integrity, and show interest in sports communication. There is no limit to the number of nominations from institutions, highlighting the NCAA's commitment to supporting student-athletes in their academic and professional pursuits.

Overview

NOTE: All nominations are due at the deadline. Only the faculty athletics representative or the FAR Designee of the institution at which the nominee is a student or student-athlete may nominate qualified candidates. All former student-athletes who earned an undergraduate degree from an NCAA member school are eligible to be nominated by that school for an NCAA graduate degree scholarship, regardless of when they received their undergraduate degree. NCAA Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship In 2008, the National Collegiate Athletic Association established the Jim McKay Scholarship to recognize the immense contributions and legacy of pioneer sports journalist Jim McKay. Annually, one male and one female student or student-athlete will be awarded a one-time $10,000 Jim McKay scholarship in recognition of outstanding academic achievement and their potential to make a major contribution to the sports communication industry or public relations. McKay scholars will be recognized as having a unique aptitude and commitment to the communications field while displaying the highest level of professional integrity, including the principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public accountability, with the element of compassion that so infused McKay's long and storied career. While McKay scholars do not need a major in communications or journalism, they should demonstrate achievement in sport communication, public relations or at least show an interest in contributing to the field. There is no limit to the number of qualified students or student-athletes that an institution can nominate.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Students or student-athletes at an active NCAA member institution who:Have an overall undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of 3.500 or better (based on a maximum 4.000), or the equivalent in other recognized grading systems; Are in their final season of NCAA athletics eligibility or will not be using any remaining athletics eligibility; Be enrolled in graduate study at an NCAA member institution or be a graduating senior committed to enrolling in a graduate degree program within five years of being named a McKay Scholar; Demonstrate efforts in the communication field or have an interest beyond their major to contribute to sports communication; Ascribe to the highest levels of integrity, including the principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness and public accountability; Have evidenced superior character and leadership; Have an understanding and appreciation for the legacy of Jim McKay, his contributions to sport broadcasting and specifically his award-winning oratory on the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich.