Athletic Training Scholarships and Financial Support

Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program at West Virginia University (WVU) are eligible for the following scholarship opportunities:

WVU Scholarships
These scholarships are only available to students enrolled in the MSAT program at WVU. Students will apply to these scholarships through an internal process. All awardees are determined by the faculty unless otherwise indicated in the description.

WVU Athletic Training Alumni Association
This non-endowed fund can be used for the benefit of the Athletic Training Program. Scholarships from this fund will vary depending on fund availability.

Albert C. (Whitey) Gwynne Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to regularly enrolled students seeking certification in Athletic Training who have completed one full calendar year in the Athletic Training program. The recipients must exhibit an interest in a career in athletic training, as determined by the appropriate officials of the School of Medicine. Scholarships from this fund are typically awarded to an in-state student and 2-3 out of state students. The amount varies based on the number of students awarded the scholarship.

John C. Spiker Student Athletic Training Enhancement Fund
This student enhancement fund is for students enrolled in the Athletic Training curriculum at WVU. Recipients shall have (a) completed one full year in the Athletic Training Program (b) be members of the NATA (National Athletic Trainers Association) (c) maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 and (d) be enrolled as a full-time student in the School of Medicine. Funds shall be used to support Athletic Training related educational enhancement opportunities including, but not limited to, conference attendance, travel, special learning opportunities and other expenses. The total amount awarded in any one year as well as the number of recipients receiving the award will be determined by the appropriate officials in the School of Medicine. The recipient of this award will be determined by the faculty in consultation with John C. Spiker.

Erika Lynn Cadran Memorial Athletic Training Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in the MSAT program in their first year of the Athletic Training Program in the School of Medicine. The recipients shall a) be current student members of the National Athletic Trainers Association, b) have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 in their undergraduate course work, and c) have exhibited good citizenship, a positive attitude in all endeavors, and a strong interest in an athletic training career as determined by the Athletic Training Program Faculty and Staff. The amount awarded for this scholarship is typically $500.

Dr. K. Douglas Bowers Athletic Training Scholarship
This scholarship is used for a WVU curriculum student athletic trainer in good academic standing and exhibiting good citizenship and professional attitude. The amount awarded for this scholarship is typically $500.

Jimmy Leard Memorial Athletic Training Scholarship
This scholarship is for 2nd year students enrolled in the Athletic Training program. Recipients shall demonstrate great character and leadership as demonstrated by indicators such as a great work ethic; volunteering extra time in the clinical setting; a positive attitude; going above and beyond the completion of assigned tasks; and assisting and creating a better environment for other athletic training students and teams within the athletic training program. The amount awarded for this scholarship is typically $500.

Dr. Matthew Lively Golden Scissors Award
This scholarship is awarded to a single student from any class of the Athletic Training program in the WVU School of Medicine. Recipients must demonstrate the following characteristics: positive attitude, willingness to learn, and knowledge base. The initial award amounts shall be 1st year student - $400, 2nd year student - $600. Recipients shall be determined by the Athletics Training faculty and staff.

Ted Slahetka Athletic Training Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to one student per academic year in the professional athletic training program. Recipients shall be making satisfactory academic progress and be full-time students as defined by the WVU Office of Financial Aid. A student who is a recipient one year is eligible for consideration in any other year provided they continue to meet the selection criteria outlined in this Agreement. The annual amount of the scholarship is $1,000.

Vincent G. Stilger Scholarship
This scholarship is offered to one student per academic year enrolled in the professional athletic training program. The amount awarded ranges from $700 to $1000.

External Scholarships
All external scholarships will be awarded through the respective organizations. Students in the WVU MSAT program will be encouraged to apply to these scholarships but are not guaranteed an award.

National Athletic Trainers’ Association Research and Education Foundation

1. Students planning to enter a CAATE-accredited professional athletic training program within the next year can apply to a Pre-Athletic Training Scholarship through the NATA Foundation. Applications for this scholarship are due June 30, 2025, with Award Announcement in Fall of 2025. For more details visit the NATA Research and Education Foundation website.
2. Students already enrolled in a CAATE-accredited professional program can apply for scholarships in either their first or second year of student. Applications for the 2026 Award Cycle are due January 15, 2026. For more details visit the NATA Research and Education Foundation website.

Mid-Atlantic Athletic Trainers’ Association (MAATA)
The MAATA offers scholarships to students in CAATE-accredited professional programs. Each scholarship offers a first-place award of $1500, and a second-place award of $1000. All applications are due on March 15. For more information visit the MAATA website.

Professional Football Athletic Trainers’ Society Foundation
PFATS foundation offers several scholarships for student athletic trainers pursing a career as a certified athletic trainer. These scholarships are for $2000, and applications are due by December 1 of each year. For more information visit the PFATS website.