Williamsburg Boat Club (WBC) is proud to offer need-based scholarships to support participation in our Youth Rowing Programs.  We are committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse community where financial barriers do not prevent student-athletes from pursuing excellence in rowing.  To help make rowing accessible, WBC offers a limited number of need-based scholarships each season for our Youth Rowing Program.  WBC awarded approximately $9,000 in scholarships to our rowers in 2024.

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Fall 2025 Scholarship Application is Now Open!

Deadline: August 11, 2025 (closes at midnight)

Notification Date: August 18, 2025

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Purpose of the Scholarship Program

Our scholarship program exists to:

• Expand access to rowing for youth who may not otherwise be able to participate.

• Support high-performing rowers in our Performance Program whose financial situations may limit their ability to continue progressing.

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Who Can Apply

Applicants must:

• Be eligible to participate in the WBC Youth Rowing Program

• Demonstrate financial hardship through supporting documentation

 

We offer two scholarship categories:

• New Club/Novice Rowers

• Current WBC Performance Rowers

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Scholarship Awards

WBC scholarships are awarded on a sliding scale, based on demonstrated financial need and the availability of funds. Scholarships are funded through the club’s operating budget and generous donations from parents, alumni, local businesses, and friends of WBC.

 

Please note: Scholarships do not cover:

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• USRowing membership fees

• WBC unisuit (~$105 for Performance rowers)

• WBC Regatta fees

• Travel, lodging, and meals for away regattas

• Nationals regatta expenses (parents are responsible, though fundraising support may be offered)

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Expectations for Scholarship Recipients

To remain in good standing and retain scholarship eligibility, recipients must:

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• Attend at least 75% of practices 

• Participate in team service, fundraising, and club maintenance days

• Assist with community outreach and Learn to Row events

• Train consistently and uphold high athletic standards

• Follow the WBC Code of Conduct

• Be in good academic standing and eligible for school athletics

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Application Requirements

To apply, click the “Apply Now” button below and submit the following:

 

1. Completed online application form

2. Demonstration of financial need via one or more of the following:

   • Free/reduced lunch eligibility documentation

   • Tax returns (past 2 years)

   • Documentation of exceptional circumstances

3. 100-word essay, depending on rower type:

   • New/Club Team Rowers: What brought you to WBC and what you hope to gain from rowing

   • Performance Team Rowers: Your competitive goals while rowing at WBC

4. Current GPA

5. Letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, employer, or community leader

 

Supporting materials must be emailed to: scholarships@williamsburgboatclub.org

All documents must be received by August 11th to be considered.

 

All personal information and financial documentation will remain confidential and will be securely destroyed after the review process.

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Have Questions?

Contact the WBC Vice President at vp@williamsburgboatclub.org or the scholarship team at

scholarships@williamsburgboatclub.org.

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