NATA Foundation Scholarship Program Opening Soon
Offered by NATA Research & Education Foundation
About This Scholarship
The NATA Research & Education Foundation runs the largest scholarship program in athletic training, the sports-medicine profession that keeps athletes on the field. Between 50 and 75 scholarships of $2,300 are awarded each year across the professional level, for students in CAATE-accredited athletic training programs, and the post-professional level, for BOC-certified athletic trainers pursuing graduate or doctoral degrees.
The Foundation also awards one Pre-Athletic Training scholarship of $20,000, focused on students with financial need who are entering the first year of a CAATE-accredited program. Across all levels, applicants must be current members of the National Athletic Trainers' Association, the profession's governing body, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale.
The 2027 cycle opens November 15, 2026 and closes January 15, 2027, making this one of the few sports-career scholarships with a winter application window.
Eligibility
- Current member of the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) at the application deadline
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 on a 4.0 scale
- Professional level: enrolled in a CAATE-accredited athletic training program; Post-professional level: BOC-certified and enrolled in a graduate or doctoral program
- Pre-AT level: entering year one of a CAATE-accredited program, with emphasis on financial need
How To Apply
- Join NATA as a student member if you have not already
- Complete the online application at natafoundation.org between November 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027
- Submit transcripts and program-specific documentation for your level (pre-AT, professional, or post-professional)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NATA Foundation scholarships are awarded?
The number varies year to year — currently one $20,000 Pre-Athletic Training scholarship and 50 to 75 awards of $2,300 across the professional and post-professional levels.
Do I have to be an athletic training major?
Yes — the program serves students in (or entering) CAATE-accredited athletic training programs and BOC-certified athletic trainers in graduate study. NATA membership is required, which is the norm for the profession.