Jim McKay Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by National Collegiate Athletic Association
The Jim McKay Graduate Scholarship celebrates the legacy of famed sportscaster Jim McKay by supporting student-athletes who mirror his dedication to leadership, integrity and excellence in sports media. Each year the NCAA awards this honor to one female and one male graduating student-athlete who have excelled academically, played varsity intercollegiate athletics, and plan to pursue graduate study and a career in sports communication or related media fields. Eligibility - Must be a graduating senior enrolled at an NCAA member institution - Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 on a 4.0 scale - Participation in varsity-level intercollegiate athletics - Intention to pursue a graduate degree in sports communication, journalism, media studies, or a closely related discipline - Demonstrated leadership, integrity, and community/campus service Nomination and Application Procedure - Candidates must be nominated by their institution’s Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) or an appointed institutional administrator. - The nomination packet must include: - A completed nomination form - Official undergraduate transcripts - A personal statement describing career goals in sports communication and how the nominee reflects Jim McKay’s legacy - At least one letter of recommendation addressing the applicant’s academic, athletic, and personal accomplishments Selection Process An NCAA review committee selects the recipients, evaluating nominees on: - Academic achievement and classroom excellence - Contributions and commitment as a student-athlete - Leadership, character, integrity, and service to others - Clear commitment to a career in sports communication or a related field Award Details - One male and one female student-athlete are chosen each year - Each recipient receives a $10,000 scholarship to be applied toward graduate study - The award is nonrenewable and must be used for enrollment in an accredited graduate program Key Dates - Nominations open: Sept. 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. EST - Nominations close: Jan. 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST - Finalists notified: Early March 2026 - Virtual interviews: March 13, 2026 For questions about the nomination process or required materials, contact your institution’s FAR or the designated athletics administrator.
Go to Scholarship Application