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.