Scholarships

Division of Research and Graduate Studies funding opportunities: https://academics.fresnostate.edu/drgs/gssc/financial/funding-opportunities.html

Four scholarships are available to Athletic Training students through Fresno State Sports Medicine.

The Dr. Thomas Thaxter Memorial Scholarship is given to an outstanding second year Athletic Training Student who exhibits the highest standards in academics, clinical proficiency, leadership, and dedication.

In honor of Dr. Thomas Thaxter, Fresno State's first orthopedic team physician. Presented by Mrs. Anne Thaxter and Dr. Steven Thaxter. 

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Second year Athletic Training Student with the intent to pursue graduate studies that will lead to a professional career in Athletic Training
2. Applicants must demonstrate commitment to excellence both academically and clinically. NOTE: The degree of the student's athletic training education achievement shall be weighed at least equally with the degree of their athletic training performance.
3. Applicants must have an overall GPA of 3.2 (based on a maximum of 4.0).

The Dr. Bill Kennedy and Friends Memorial Scholarship is given to a first year Athletic Training Student who exemplifies compassion and teamwork in addition to having a significant financial need to continue their education. This scholarship provides full in-state tuition for their second year.

In honor of Dr. William Kennedy, long time Fresno State team physician. Presented by the Mrs. Carole Kennedy and the Kennedy Family. 

Eligibility Requirements:

1. First year Athletic Training Student who exemplifies compassion and teamwork.
2. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, e.g., eligibility for federal funding or financial aid.
3. Applicants must be in good academic standing with the university and Athletic Training Program (based on the criteria for the AT curriculum and University).
4. Applicants must be in good clinical standing (based on clinical evaluations).

The Dr. Birger Johnson Memorial Scholarship is given to a first year Athletic Training Student who demonstrates a passion for learning and strives to deliver the finest care with compassion.

In honor of Dr. Birger Johnson, Fresno State’s first athletic trainer. Presented by the Crosby Family.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. First year Athletic Training Student who demonstrates a passion for learning, works towards excellence both clinically and in the classroom and strives to deliver the finest care with compassion.
2. Applicants must be in good academic standing with the university and Athletic Training Program (based on the criteria for the AT curriculum and University).
3. Applicants must be in good clinical standing (based on clinical evaluations).

The Paul Schechter Excellence Award is given to a first or second year student who works hard at learning the "art" of athletic training and does so in a manner that honors Paul Schechter and the example he has set for so many in the field of Sports Medicine.

In honor of Paul Schechter, Fresno State's long time Head Athletic Trainer from 1973-2002. Presented by the Crosby Family.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Open to a first year or second year Athletic Training Student who demonstrates compassion and a commitment to leadership through his/her service to others. This athletic training student is one who works hard at learning the "art" of athletic training and does so in a manner that honors Paul Schechter and the example he has set for so many in the field of Sports Medicine.
2. Applicants must be in good academic standing with the university and Athletic Training Program (based on the criteria for the AT curriculum and University).
3. Applicants must be in good clinical standing (based on clinical evaluations).

Scholarship Award Process

Scholarships are coordinated by Fresno State Sports Medicine. Nominations are sought annually by peers, sports medicine staff, and program faculty each spring. Nominated individuals are invited to complete an application including an essay and interview. Final determination of the scholarship is done by a committee including representatives from Fresno State Sports Medicine staff and the scholarship sponsor. Funds are dispersed through university financial aid. Scholarships are not guaranteed to be awarded each year.