About ScholarshipsOne of the great benefits of USBC Youth membership is the chance to earn college scholarships so you can pursue your dreams. Did you know that there is more than $6 million in scholarship money offered each season by bowling associations and councils, certified tournaments and proprietors throughout the United States?
If you’re a young bowler participating in a USBC league, you may be eligible for national bowling-related scholarships. Adults who are active in providing youth programs may be eligible for national recognition awards.

If you have questions regarding your SMART account, or about the program in general, you may contact SMART by the methods listed below:
smart@bowl.com
(800) 514-2695 Ext. 3168

SMARTUSBC offers millions of dollars in scholarship money to help young bowlers get a jump start on their dreams. More than $6 million in scholarship money is offered each season by bowling associations and councils, certified tournaments and proprietors throughout the United States.
SMART
SMART, which stands for Scholarship Management and Accounting Reports for Tenpins, is a program designed to help associations and organizations set up, manage and disburse youth bowling scholarship funds.
SMART oversees 2,700 different bowling organizations’ scholarship funds, belonging to more than 105,000 individuals who have earned scholarships totaling more than $20 million. USBC’s SMART staff provides complimentary assistance for recipients and providers.
Use the following links to locate local, state and regional scholarship opportunities listed on the SMART Program & Scholarships Web site.
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Dexter All AmericanFive male and five female USBC High School members are selected annually for the Dexter/USBC High School All-American Team and a $1,000 scholarship.
Coaches or team administrators must nominate eligible contenders; student-athletes and/or family members may not handle nominations. Once nominations are accepted, the student-athlete receives an application packet.
As a high school bowler, your selection to the Dexter/USBC High School All-American Team is based on your bowling accomplishments, academic achievement, letters of recommendation, extracurricular and community involvement, submitted essays and resumes. Minimum requirements for selection include a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent) and at least one letter of recommendation.
All-American Team awards are presented at the USBC Junior Gold Championships, typically held each July in various event host cities.
Read MoreHighly skilled male bowler with strong academic success in the classroom and involvement within their community outside of bowling.
This annual award recognizes star qualities in a male high school or college student who competes in the sport of bowling. Star qualities include:
Award winners receive a $6,000 scholarship.
Applicants must be in their 11th or 12th grade year in high school, and may be male or female. This scholarship is based mainly on community service and very strong academic success. Bowling successes do not factor into the selection process.
This award annually recognizes star qualities in a female high school senior or college student who competes in the sport of bowling. Star qualities include:
This award annually recognizes one male and one female USBC Youth bowler for his/her exemplary contributions in the sport of bowling outside of league or tournament play, academic accomplishments and community involvement.
The Gift of Life Scholarships are available to any USBC Youth member currently in high school currently holding a GPA of 2.0 or better who can demonstrate financial need.
If you are a senior in high school or a college student with a record of strong community involvement and academic achievements as well as financial need, you are eligible for this scholarship. Bowling success is not considered in awarding this scholarship.
Application deadline: May 1.
Given in conjunction with the PBA, the Billy Welu scholarship recognizes a male or female collegiate bowler for their bowling successes and involvement while maintaining academic success.
This prestigious award is named in honor of David Dahms, who was an instrumental leader in the creation of what is now known as the USBC Junior Gold program. The award annually recognizes a USBC certified coach who has been actively involved in a USBC Youth program and has demonstrated outstanding commitment to coaching, sportsmanship and knowledge of USBC Youth rules for the last seven or more years. Any person or organization with knowledge of an individual’s accomplishments in these areas may nominate that individual. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 1.
This prestigious award is named in honor of Kerm Helmer, the team founder and longtime bowling coach at Erie Community College who also served as a board member, vice-president and president of the Young American Bowling Alliance, a predecessor organization of the USBC. The annual award recognizes leaders or organizations in the bowling community who have displayed the courage, determination and ability to develop far-reaching programs of national scope that provide fun and exciting opportunities for collegiate and/or youth bowlers. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 1.
This annual award recognizes an adult volunteer who has displayed outstanding efforts to foster, organize and promote certified youth bowling programs at the local, state and/or national level for the last seven or more years. Any person or organization with knowledge of an individual’s efforts in these areas may nominate that individual. Applications must be postmarked by Nov. 1.