UNIFIED FURTHERING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
Launching for the 2026–2027 Academic Year
The Unified Furthering Education Scholarship is a privately funded, open-ended education scholarship created by Unified Jiu-Jitsu to support teen athletes as they pursue their next chapter beyond the mats.
This scholarship is designed to:
✅ Recruit & retain teens ages 14–19
✅ Reward discipline, leadership, and character
✅ Support college, trade school, certification programs & career development
✅ Give back to real-world education
✅ Allow gym sponsors to match and expand awards
This is not a tuition scholarship for martial arts.
This is an education-first scholarship for life after the mats.
PURPOSE & VISION
Unified Jiu-Jitsu develops more than athletes — we develop leaders, problem-solvers, and disciplined young adults. The Furthering Education Scholarship exists to carry that momentum forward into:
🎯Higher education
🎯Skilled trades
🎯Technical certification
🎯Career advancement pathways
This scholarship is not about being the best competitor.
It is about being the most prepared for life.
OPEN-ENDED USE OF FUNDS (EDUCATION GUIDELINE)
This is an open-ended scholarship that may be used for any legitimate path of furthering education, including:
College & University Tuition
Trade & Technical Schools (HVAC, Electrical, Welding, Automotive)
Massage Therapy School
Certification & Licensing Programs
Required Books & Materials
Computers & Required Technology
Dormitory Housing
Required Educational Food & Living Expenses
Verified Training Tools & Equipment
Guideline:
All funds must be used strictly for furthering education or career advancement.
Personal, recreational, or non-educational use is not permitted.
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS (2026–2027)
Each year, Unified will award:
$500 – One Male-Identifying Student
$500 – One Female-Identifying Student
✅ Sponsor Matching Available
(Sponsors may match or expand the total scholarship pool.)
Scholarship awards may be:
One-time
Semester-based
Certification-based
Expanded through sponsor matches
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (AGES 14–19)
Applicants must:
-Be 14–19 years old
-Be an active Unified Jiu-Jitsu student for at least one year
-Attend class a minimum of 1x per week (more strongly recommended)
-Have represented Unified in at least 3 tournaments in the past year in official Unified gear
-Maintain a B+ average or higher
-Complete 20 volunteer hours annually at or for Unified
Submit:
✅ One personal essay
✅ One recommendation letter
UNIFIED CHESS-BASED SCHOLARSHIP SCORING SYSTEM
22 Points Maximum + The King (Final Character Decision)
Each applicant is evaluated using the Unified Chess Scoring System, where every requirement represents a chess piece and carries a weighted value.
The Pawns — Foundation & Consistency
Pawn #1 — 1 Point
Active Unified Jiu-Jitsu member for at least 1 year
Pawn #2 — 1 Point
Attend class at least 1x per week
Pawn Total: 2 Points
The Knight — Battle Representation
Knight — 3 Points
Represented Unified in at least 3 tournaments in the past year
Knight Total: 3 Points
The Bishop — Knowledge & Discipline
Bishop — 3 Points
Maintain a B+ average or higher
Bishop Total: 3 Points
The Rook — Building the Home
Rook — 5 Points
Complete 20 volunteer hours annually
** terms and conditions apply.
Rook Total: 5 Points
The Queen — Advocacy & Reputation
Queen — 9 Points
Submit one recommendation letter
Bishop Total: 3 Points
The King — Priceless Character
King — No Numerical Points
Submit one completed personal essay
*Represents heart, humility, voice, and character
*Serves as the final tiebreaker
*Reflects the athlete as a whole
Prof. Ryan holds final decision authority if required.
TOTAL POSSIBLE SCORE (Without the King)
22 Points Maximum
The King (essay) does not add points — it determines the final outcome when scores are close.
SUBMISSION FORMAT & DEADLINE
March 31, 2027
Digital submissions are not accepted
All applications must be submitted in HARD-COPY FOLIO FORMAT
Incomplete folios will not be reviewed
FINAL DEADLINE
Each folio must include:
Scholarship Application
Essay
Recommendation Letter
Grade Report / Transcript
Volunteer Log
All folios must be turned in at the Unified front desk