Congratulations to our Scholarship Recipients
Scholarship Overview
Excellence on the Strip. Leadership in Life.
The Fencing Forward committee will select one exemplary fencer to receive a $1,500 Merit Scholarship and a complete set of fencing gear generously donated by Blue Gauntlet.
We are not looking for a talented athlete; we are looking for a student who balances academic rigor with a deep commitment to their community and the sport of fencing.
What the Application Entails
To help you prepare, please note that the online application is divided into the following six sections:
- About You: Basic contact information and your fencing background.
- School: Your current academic standing and official transcript.
- Family & Financials: Information to help us understand your financial need.
- Extracurriculars: A summary of your leadership roles, community service, and achievements outside of fencing.
- References: Contact information for two individuals (coaches, teachers, or mentors) who can speak to your character.
- The Essay: Your response to the 2026 prompt (see below).
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2026 award, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Current Enrollment: Be enrolled full-time as a Junior or Senior in high school during the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Academic Excellence: Maintain a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 3.5.
- Active Status: Must be a currently active fencer.
- Demonstrated Need: Be able to demonstrate financial need.
- Exclusions: Previous recipients of Fencing Forward (formerly YFC) grants/scholarships and family members of Fencing Forward staff are not eligible.
The 2026 Essay Prompt
We believe that how you handle yourself when no one is watching defines who you are. Please provide a thoughtful response to the following:
- Describe a moment when you acted according to your values even when it was difficult. What does that moment reveal about the quality you most want to be remembered for?
Important Dates
- Application Opens: January 11, 2027 (Following the February NAC)
- Application Deadline: June 11, 2027, at 11:59 PM (CST)
A Final Thought: At Fencing Forward, we believe a scholarship is a vote of confidence in your character. Whether or not you are selected, we hope the words you wrote today serve as a compass for the person you are becoming.
En Garde. Ready. Move Forward.
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