2026 Donald R. Shepherd Senior Scholar Award Application

2026 Donald R. Shepherd Senior Scholar Award Application
Deadline: March 15, 2026

This scholarship supports student-athletes who have completed their athletic eligibility at the conclusion of the Winter 2026 term and are pursuing graduate education at accredited institutions. Eligibility extends to current graduates and those who graduated within the last 5 years, with a baccalaureate degree and a declared graduate path.

Application Requirements:
- Resume
- One letter of recommendation (preferably from a professor or previous employer)
- Personal statement
Selection Criteria:
- Financial need
- Career Aspirations
- Academic achievement
- Letter of recommendation
Award Details:
- Up to $10,000 based on financial need for education or living expenses
- Funds paid directly to institution
- Up to 12 scholarships awarded annually
- More than one award available for students attending the University of Michigan
- Only two awards available for other institutions due to NCAA rules
- Previous recipients can reapply
The University of Michigan Athletic Department manages award distribution.

For any questions or concerns, contact Justin Hinton at jihinton@umich.edu.
Your Name*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Varsity Sport Program*
Undergraduate Graduation Year*
Undergraduate GPA*
UM ID Number*
UM Unique Name*
Current Graduate GPA (If applicable)
Expected Graduation Date*

MonthDayYear
Date
School Attending for Graduate Degree*
Attending Full or Part Time*
Term Applied For*

Section 2: Educational Out-of-Pocket Expense Worksheet

Education Expenses*

	$ Dollar Amount
Tuition:
Room & Board:
Fees:
Books:

Subtotal of Educational Expenses
Total from Other Sources of Income
*Applicants must disclose all sources of support.
Will you be receiving family support?*
Please list the dollar amount of family support.*
Will you be receiving professional support?*
Please list the dollar amount of professional support.*
Will you be receiving other scholarships?*
Please list the dollar amount of other scholarship support.*
Will you be receiving any other support?*
Please describe the source of other support.*
Please list the dollar amount of any other support.*
Final Out-of-Pocket Expenses (Subtotal of educational expenses less any sources of income)
Please list any other scholarships you have applied for.

Section 3: Resume, Letter of Recommendation and Personal Statement

Please attach the following:
1. Current resume
2. Letter of recommendation (cannot be from a coach)
3. A thoughtful, typed, and signed personal statement explaining; (1) why this scholarship is important to you, (2) what your career goals are, and (3) how your graduate degree will help you reach your career goals (not to exceed 1,000 words)
Combine all three files into one PDF or Word document and upload as one file. Here are additional instructions on how to combine PDF files, if needed. Please make sure your name is used in the file name, such as “Applicant last name_Shepherd Scholarship.” An application will not be considered if any fields are left blank or if any of the attachments are not submitted.

For any questions or concerns, contact Justin Hinton at jihinton@umich.edu.
Attach your resume, letter of recommendation and personal statement.*

Combine documents into one file.
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