The Walter GameChanger Scholarship

At the heart of Get in the Game is the idea that while we have many things that make us unique, at our core we are all people with unimaginable potential. It is when we take the time to learn about each other, we are at our strongest and able to take on the toughest challenges.  

Get In the Game grew out of a single act of kindness when two men of different backgrounds—a young, Black student from a small town and a white coach of an elite college baseball team—came together to save a life. It was that act of kindness that inspired the Walter GameChanger Scholarship which honors GameChangers who have shown an extraordinary commitment to creating a more equitable world and truly exemplify the values of KEDD (Kindness, Empathy, Dignity, and Diversity) in all aspects of their lives.

For many, one of the biggest GameChangers of all is the opportunity to pursue higher education such as a 2- or 4-year degree from a college, university, or vocational school. In celebration of the outstanding GameChangers who have gone above and beyond in their commitment to Get In the Game, the Walter GameChanger Scholarship will award one (1) $5,000 scholarship in 2025. The funds will be paid directly to the institution of the recipient’s choice and can be used for tuition, books, fees, or room and board.

To qualify as a candidate for the 2025 Walter GameChanger Scholarship, a person must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a student in good standing at their High School who has completed (or is in the process of completing) at least one season of the Get In the Game program.

  • Demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to kindness, empathy, dignity, diversity, and creating a more equitable world.

  • Submit the required essay (See details below).

  • Provide at least one letter of recommendation from someone who can speak positively on their behalf.

  • Use the scholarship money for tuition, books, fees, or room and board.

Recipients will be selected based on a comprehensive review of their application, letter of recommendation, completion of GITG-related assignments, and a qualitative assessment of the applicant’s level of engagement and participation (from the GITG facilitator).

The application process opens on Monday, February 24, 2025 and will close at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The scholarship recipient will be announced on April 16, 2025.

To apply, applicants will need to complete the following:

  • Fill out and submit the application form

  • Submit a 500-1,000 word essay* describing:

    • How they would like to see their community become more equitable

    • What they want to be doing with their life in five years and how they envision they will be spreading and promoting KEDD and equity within their community

    • Summary of their high school academic and extra-curricular activities

  • Provide one letter of recommendation** from someone who can speak positively on their behalf

*In the application form, you will be asked to upload a file of your essay.

**In the application form, you will have the option to upload a file of your recommendation letter, OR the letter writer may email it directly to info@getinthegame.org by 11:59 p.m. on 5/31/23.

 

We are incredibly grateful to the anonymous donor who made this scholarship opportunity possible. In the years ahead, we hope to add to the number of scholarship opportunities available to our many deserving GameChangers.