The Mike Beard Memorial Scholarship Grant

The Mike Beard Memorial Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Athletes Lab Foundation
Amount: Up to US $5,000
Last Updated: February 01, 2026

Summary

The Mike Beard Memorial Scholarship is designed to support North Carolina student-athletes who are committed to continuing their sports at the collegiate level. Established in memory of Mike Beard, the scholarship awards a total of $10,000 over four years, with eligibility requirements including a minimum GPA and community service involvement. Applicants must be current seniors accepted to a high-level institution and provide two letters of recommendation. The award is presented at the winner's Senior Award Banquet.

Overview

The Mike Beard Memorial Scholarship Born May 20, 1965 in Newton, NC to the late Butch Beard and Judy Beard, Mike Beard was a Conover, NC resident with a passion for family, community, and scholastic athletics. Upon graduating third in the ‘83 class from Bunker Hill High School, Mike attended Davidson College, where he played football and graduated with a degree in Economics in ‘87. A year later, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Strong, and moved to Rowan County where he began a career in freight sales with Roadway. As the father of two sons -- Cameron and Mason -- Mike was involved with and supported community schools and sports for nearly twenty years after moving back to Catawba County. Upon his passing in December 2021 after a battle with Amyloidosis, Athletes Lab, in conjunction with the Athletes Lab Foundation, established the Mike Beard Memorial Scholarship to honor his life, his memory, and the things he cherished most. Decisions will be made by a board and an interview will be part of the process for the finalists. The athlete should have plans to attend college regardless of the Collegiate Scholarship opportunity. Applications must be submitted by the athlete themselves. The Scholarship is awarded at the winner's Senior Award Banquet at their school. Amount: The Mike Beard Memorial Scholarship was created to assist student-athletes who who are continuing to play sports at the college level. This scholarship is for a total of $5,000 paid out in payments of $1,250 over 4 years.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. The Recipient must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the life of the scholarship & the Grantor may terminate the scholarship if the recipient does not meet the minimum GPA requirement or is no longer enrolled at a high institution.Please review the following requirements: Must be a North Carolina Resident Can have attended a public school, private school or been homeschooled Must already be accepted to attend school at a High Level Institution with a signed National Letter Intent to play College Sports. Must be a current Senior Must have maintained an unweighted 3.8 GPA or weight 4.2 GPA or higher Must have participated in community service or school service related activities during their High School Career. Due to the substantial nature of this scholarship, the athlete will need to share in the interview process why they will need financial assistance to attend the college of their choice.2 letters of recommendation are required for this scholarship.One must be from a teacher or coach throughout your HS career that can attest to your academic and/or athletic experience (work ethic, leadership).The second should be a personal reference from an Adult (non-family member) who can share about your personal characteristics.