2026-2027 CIF State Student-Athlete Leadership Scholarship Award
Introduction
The CIF State Student-Athlete Leadership Scholarship Award seeks to recognize one male and one female Junior student-athlete, (Senior entering 2026-27), who demonstrate leadership, service to their school and community, and a commitment to being a well-rounded student-athlete.
Students will receive a $5,000 scholarship award and be non-voting members of the CIF Executive Committee. Students will be required to attend at least three (3) of the regular scheduled Executive Committee meetings and the NFHS National Student Leadership Summit during the 2026-27 academic year. (See meeting dates below).
Meeting Dates:
NFHS National Student Leadership Summit - Indianapolis, IN
July 16 - 19, 2026 (required to travel on July 15)
CIF Executive Committee Meetings
(Executive Committee meetings will be held at locations in both Northern and Southern California).
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Thursday, October 8, 2026
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Thursday, February 4, 2027
Thursday, March 11, 2027
Thursday, April 22, 2027
Friday, June 18, 2027
The CIF State Office will cover the costs for the student and one (1) parent/guardian chaperone for any meetings they attend.
Description
Application Procedures & Process Overview:
All applications must be fully complete before submission. You are able to exit an incomplete application, and finish at a later date by signing into your Kaleidoscope account.
Application must include:
Parent Information
School Information
Completion of the Student Essay (Maximum one page, single spaced)
Principal Information and Signature Page
Complete List of Activities and Participation in the Following Categories:
Athletic Participation
Leadership Positions
Co-Curricular Involvement Outside of Athletics
Community Service
If you have any technical questions regarding the application or your Kaleidoscope account please contact [email protected].
Qualifications
Residence: California
Grade Level: H.S. Junior
Selection Process
Student-Athletes (one male/one female) currently in their Junior year of high school will be selected on the basis of demonstrated leadership, service to their school and community, and a commitment to being a well-rounded student-athlete.
The selected finalists will be invited for a 30-minute interview, which will be conducted online.
For questions regarding the CIF State Leadership Scholarship Award, please email [email protected].
It’s bigger than sports. The CIF provides students with the opportunity to belong, connect, and compete in education-based experiences.
Every student in California has the unique opportunity to participate and experience being a part of a school team or student organization. The CIF and our school communities support our students’ journeys by developing impactful relationships through transformational educators and coaches who provide a healthy environment for growth and development. It is essential to have families and community supporters who display positive behavior which will allow our students to create their own experiences.