Pop Warner All-American Scholar Program
Offered by Pop Warner Little Scholars
About This Scholarship
Pop Warner Little Scholars — the nonprofit behind the nation's largest youth football, cheer, and dance programs — puts the "scholar" in its name through the All-American Scholar Program, which honors participants for classroom performance ahead of athletic ability. Applicants need a minimum 96% grade point average, and applications move from local associations up through Pop Warner's eight regions to national judging, which names First Team All-Americans (35 football and 35 cheer per grade), Second Team All-Americans, and honorable mentions.
The program is more than a certificate: since 1993 Pop Warner has distributed well over $2 million in higher-education scholarships to its top scholar-athletes, with the highest honorees celebrated at the annual All-American Scholar Weekend. Recent scholarship awards have ranged from roughly $500 at the regional level to $5,000 for top national scholars.
Any currently rostered Pop Warner football player, cheerleader, or dancer meeting the GPA bar can apply directly online, making this one of the few activity-based awards where middle and early high school students can start banking college money.
Eligibility
- Current Pop Warner football, cheer, or dance participant on an official roster
- Minimum 96% grade point average (or equivalent) for the most recent school year
- Application supported by report card/transcript documentation
- Top scholars in grade 8 and above are considered for higher-education scholarship awards
How To Apply
- Complete the All-American Scholar application online through Pop Warner's Submittable portal, including your grades documentation.
- Submit by the annual October 1 deadline; applications are judged at the association, regional, and national levels.
- Top national scholars are invited to the All-American Scholar Weekend, where higher-education scholarships are awarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child have to play Pop Warner to qualify?
Yes. The All-American Scholar Program is open to registered Pop Warner football, cheer, and dance participants. It is participation-based, not employment-based — any family can join a local Pop Warner program.
Is this a college scholarship or just recognition?
Both. All qualifying applicants can earn All-American Scholar recognition, and Pop Warner awards higher-education scholarship money — over $2 million distributed since 1993 — to its most deserving scholars in grade 8 and above.