Scholarship Program
Purpose and Uses
The Iron Cross Foundation is
awards scholarship to qualifying gymnastics from around the nation.
Scholarships awarded through the application process assist gymnasts
in defraying the many costs associated with a dedication to the
sport; practice gym fees, coaching fees, uniforms, and travel to
name a few.
The Iron Cross Foundation (ICF) is dedicated to helping young men of
all socio-economic backgrounds participate in the sport of
gymnastics by providing financial aid, social support and
educational resources. The ICF Scholarship Program provides
opportunities for individuals, corporations, as well as members and
friends of the Iron Cross Foundation, through their gifts and
grants, to support the fulfillment of boys’ gymnastics dreams (Be
a Sponsor - CLICK HERE). Open to all gymnasts in the
United States, The Iron Cross Foundation is especially proud of its
scholarship funds supporting and sustaining many accomplished
gymnasts who routinely win Regional and National competitions.
An important element of scholarship qualification is the individual essays and "gymnastics updates" required of each scholarship recipient. We invite you to read about both our current and former scholarship winners and get a glimpse of their personal journey in this great sport of men's gymnastics.
See Current and Past Scholarship Awardees
2010-2011 Season
| Scholarship Recipients | Gymnast Profile |
| Morgan Brandner, Lone Mountain Gymnastics, Bozeman, MT | Morgan Brandner |
| Johnny Jacobson, USA Gymworld, Syracuse, UT | Johnny Jacobson |
| Jordan Kovach, Oklahoma Boys Gymnastics, Oklahoma City, OK | Jordan Kovach |
| Kent Matoba, Auburn Gymnastics Center, Auburn WA | Kent Matoba |
| Jonathan Spiro - New Hope Academy of Gymnastics - Fountain Valley, CA | Jonathan Spiro |
2009-2010 Season
| Scholarship Recipients | Gymnast Profile |
| DJ Corpuz - New Hope Academy of Gymnastics, Fountain Valley, CA | DJ Corpuz |
| Cameron Miller - Cascade Elite Gymnastics, Mountlake Terrace, WA | Cameron Miller |
| Andreas Silberman - Redwood Empire Gymnastics, Petaluma, CA | Andreas Silberman |
| Nicholas Spiro - New Hope Academy of Gymnastics, Fountain Valley, CA | Nicholas Spiro |
| Joshua Watrous - Metropolitan Gymanstics, Kent, WA 2009-20010 | Joshua Watrous |
2008-2009 Season
| Scholarship Recipients | Gymnast Profile |
| Timothy Pancho - Black Hills Gymnastics, Lacey, WA | archived |
| Troy Lindsay - Metropolitan Gymnastics, Kent, WA | archived |
| Cameron Miller - Cascade Elite Gymnastics, Mountlake Terrace, WA | archived |
First Scholarships Awarded - June 2008
On Saturday, June 28th 2008, the Iron Cross Foundation presented its first scholarships to Cameron Miller (level 9) and Timothy Pancho* (level 6) at a benefit event hosted by Eric and Jyl Backman at the Purple Cafe and Wine Bar in Seattle, WA. Amongst a gathering of families and friends of current and former gymnasts, coaches, and judges, Cameron and Timothy were presented scholarships by ICF founder and spokesperson, Logan Melander. These scholarships will help to cover the costs of competition fees for the 2008-2009 season for each gymnast. Logan introduced and congratulated the scholarship recipients, coaches read moving letters of support, each gymnast read his scholarship application essay (My Gymnastics Dreams), and Logan shared his own essay "On Gymnastics" as a life lesson. Donors were inspired by these young men who are already giving so much of themselves, not only in terms of hours in the gym, but to the broader gymnastics community.
What is the purpose of The Iron Cross Foundation
Scholarship Program?
The Iron Cross Foundation (ICF) is dedicated to helping young men of
all socio-economic backgrounds participate in the sport of
gymnastics by providing financial aid, social support and
educational resources. The ICF Scholarship Program provides
opportunities for individuals, corporations, as well as members and
friends of the Iron Cross Foundation, through their gifts and
grants, to support the fulfillment of boys’ gymnastics dreams.
Who will administer the Scholarship?
The Iron Cross Foundation will administer the Scholarship.
Who is eligible to apply for the Scholarship?
Any male gymnast, who is a USA Gymnastics athlete member in good
standing, having completed one year of competitive gymnastics, is
eligible to apply for the Scholarship. Note: Acceptance of this
scholarship should not negatively affect future NCAA eligibility.
How do I apply for the Scholarship?
• Applications must be received by the ICF Scholarship Committee by
April 15th for June disbursement OR October 15th for December
disbursement.
• The application must be TYPED. We want you to have the greatest
possible chance of receiving a grant. A typed application will be
easier for the Scholarship Panel to read.
• Three recommendations are needed to complete the application --
one each from: 1) your personal coach; 2) a teacher or other
character reference; and 3) an adult family member.
Each letter should address some combination of the following: your
experience as a gymnast, personal character, pursuit of your
gymnastics dreams, academic achievements, and your relationship with
the person writing the letter. These letters need not accompany your
application, but they MUST be received by the ICF Scholarship
Committee on or before the due date listed above.
• Your completed Scholarship Application must contain 3 full packets
(1 original and 2 copies), collated and stapled in the following
order:
1. Application forms -- first page signed
2. Copies of school report card/transcripts for the most recent
academic year.
3. 3 Letters of Recommendation -- if sending with the application
4. “My Gymnastics Dreams” Essay (500 word limit)
Where do I send the completed application packet?
Return the original and the copies to:
Iron Cross Foundation
Scholarship Program
3014 N. 9th St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
Download Scholarships Application
- MS Word Format
What is the amount of the Scholarship?
The size of the Scholarship will vary, depending upon the dollars
raised throughout the year in support of the program and based on
individual need.
Can Scholarships be awarded for multiple years?
Scholarships are normally awarded for one calendar year and athletes
may submit a new application each year.
Who will make the Scholarship decision?
A Scholarship Panel, appointed by Board of Directors of the Iron
Cross Foundation, including the founder, will choose the successful
candidate(s).
What are the requirements for Scholarship recipients?
Scholarship recipients must:
1. Be a USA Gymnastics athlete member in good standing.
2. Use the scholarship for competition related expenses.
3. Maintain a minimum of a “C” average in order to qualify for or
renew a scholarship.
4. Submit quarterly updates on the ICF website about training and
competing experiences – and how gymnasts in your gym are/can be
giving back to the sport of gymnastics.
5. Present a report at the end of the year about his experiences as
a Scholarship recipient at the Annual Meeting/Celebration Dinner of
the Iron Cross Foundation.
6. Accept the Foundation Scholarship in writing within four weeks of
notification of the award, with correspondence addressed to:
Iron Cross Foundation
Scholarship Program
3014 N. 9th St.
Tacoma, WA 98406
What are the deadlines and other relevant dates?
• Scholarship application must be received October 15th, 2009 for
2010 Spring Summer dispersment.
• June ANNUAL MEETING/ CELEBRATION DINNER
• New scholarships announced
• Scholarship Recipients share highlights of their experiences
• July Acceptance letters for new scholarship recipients should be
received at the ICF office.
• Quarterly Postings to the website.
How will my scholarship application be evaluated?
Scholarship applications will be evaluated based on both competitive
factors and financial need.
Evaluation of competitive factors will include the following:
• Essay: “My Gymnastics Dreams” (up to 500 words)
• Letters of support addressing work ethic in and out of the gym
• Copies of Report Cards/School Transcripts
• Past and present competitive participation (must have completed at
least one year of
competitive gymnastics in a USAG sanctioned program).
• Financial Need
NCAA Eligibility Considerations:
Accepting an Iron Cross Foundation (ICF) Scholarship should not
affect an athlete’s NCAA eligibility, particularly for athletes
attending NCAA programs with varsity men’s gymnastics programs.
According to the NCAA Member Services Group, because the
scholarships provided are not based on an athlete’s standings,
rather on their work ethic, passion for the sport, and financial
need, the athlete’s amateur status is not in jeopardy.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Questions may be addressed to our Scholarship Committee through the
website
www.ironcrossfoundation.org or via e-mail at
scholarships@ironcrossfoundation.org
Download Scholarships Application
- MS Word Format
