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NJCDCA�Scholarship Program�2025-2026

Tips and Tricks for a Successful Application

Judy Gilberti

NJCDCA Scholarship Director

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About the NJCDCA

The Charter

The New Jersey Cheerleading & Dance Coaches Association (NJCDCA) Inc., formally known as New Jersey Cheerleading Coaches Association (NJCCA), is a 501C-3 non-profit organization and was founded in 1991 to foster safety, sportsmanship, education, and provide support to all who are involved in cheerleading and dance in the State of New Jersey.

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About the Scholarship

In 1996, shortly after the New Jersey Cheerleading Coaches Association, Inc. was chartered, a Scholarship Program was established to honor cheerleaders and dancers as scholar-athletes.

2026 will mark the 30^th anniversary of this awards and recognition program! Over the years, the NJCDCA has proudly awarded approximately $482,000.00 in scholarships and honors - and we are excited to continue this tradition by distributing even more at the close of this academic year!

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Applicant Eligibility

All applicants must be a high school senior for the current school year - a member of the Class of 2026.

The applicant’s school MUST be a current member of the NJCDCA for 2025-2026.

Check to see the status of your school on the NJCDCA website at www.njcheerleading.com.

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Tips & Tricks

Five Parts to the Application

1. Scholarship Application (Student Athlete)
2. Scholastic Information (School Counselor)
3. Coach Evaluation & Letter of Recommendation (Coach)
4. Photo Release (Parent Signature/Student Signature)
5. Checklist for Application Review

A complete application is 12 pages!

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Cover Sheet

Page 1 - Cover Sheet

Tips:

Review the entire application with a parent and/or coach.
Complete legibly in BLACK or BLUE ink.
Standardized test information is needed.
Handwritten signatures are required on several documents.

NOTE: Electronic signatures will NOT be accepted!

Tricks:

Have your parents and/or coach review your application.
Add signatures on the Cover Page as your final checkpoint.

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Checklist

Last Page - Checklist

Review & Submit

Tips:

Read the directions. Read them again!
Read the highlighted areas for important information.

Tricks:

Take notes as you prepare the package.
Fill in the blanks on the checklist as you package the mailing envelope.

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Applications

Submit one (1) original copy and three (3) additional copies to the NJCDCA Scholarship Director.
Postmarked deadline date is January 15, 2026.

Tips:

The Applicant will send pages 1-7 as a completed packet for the adjudicators to review.
Make three additional copies of this packet - one for each adjudicator.
Include any additional documents you wish the committee to review:

Written Essay, Resume of Activities, News Articles, Photos, etc.

Be sure the handwritten signatures and dates are visible.

Tricks:

A total of four (4) applications will be placed in the mailing envelope.

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Additional Items

Additional Information

Optional Items are Required

Tips:

Resume of Student Activities - Create in a Word Document
Wallet Size Photo of Cheer/Dance Athlete - 1.5” x 3”
Photo Release with Handwritten Signatures

Tricks:

Circle your ESSAY choice - Typed/Written or Video
“Optional” - available to be chosen but not obligatory. It is a TRICK question - be sure to do it!

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Applicant Information

1. Student Athlete

2. Secondary School Information

3. School Officials

4. Cheer/Dance Coach

Tips:

Use the home address of the coach for important information related to the scholarship process.
Personal information will NOT be shared!

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NJCDCA�Scholarship Questionnaire

Scholarship Questionnaire

Tips:

The application form is intended to gather information about your background, interests, academic achievements, and future career plans.
Reviewed by an independent scholarship committee of education professionals.
Complete, neat, and legible answers make it easier for the committee to review your application.
Please type or print legibly in black or blue ink.

1. Applicant Information
2. Coach Information (Confidential)

*IMPORTANT - Cheer/Dance Coach review and handwritten signature.

*Please Note: The decisions of the NJCDCA Scholarship Committee will remain final!

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Education�School & Community Activities

Page 3 - Education - Activities

Tips:

List and Highlight:

SPECIAL courses or programs NOT listed on the transcript (Career Academy, Vocational School, Dual Enrollment, etc.).
ALL athletic/sports programs in which you have participated, including cheerleading and/or dance.

Dates of Participation.
Leadership Positions Held.
Awards or Honors Received.
VARSITY LETTER(S) for all seasons.
NUMBER of YEARS of participation for each program.
Be specific and indicate the level of play (F, JV, V).

Use details … NOT one-word answers!

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Leadership�Volunteer Service

Page 4 - Leadership, Community Service, Volunteer Activities

Tips:

List the Name of the Club, Agency, or Organization

Kind of Activity
Dates of Participation
Hours per Week
Weeks per Year

Tricks:

Add a successful activity enjoyed by others

Example: Pink Out Game or Sparkle Team, etc.

Be creative!
DO NOT DOUBLE DIP! – Please list each activity only once.

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Leadership�Volunteer Service

Page 4 - Leadership, Community Service, Volunteer Activities

Tips:

Be Specific
Share the Details

Girl Scouts of America - ROCK!

Tricks:

*Being a Team Captain or a National Honor Society member is very common, so be sure to highlight your unique activities and accomplishments that make your resume stand out!

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Work Experience

Page 4 - Employment

Tips:

If you are employed during the school year and/or summer break, kindly provide the relevant details below:

Job or Type of Work.
Name the place and location of employment.
List time or season involved (Summer, School Year, etc.).
Include total years of participation.

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Resume of Student Activities

Create/Design a Resume of Student Activities

Tips:

Start with a Word Document or Google Doc.
Include all activities from high school years.
Include a header or photo.
Make it colorful.

“Optional” - available to be chosen but not obligatory.
It is a TRICK question - be sure to do it!

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Future Education

Page 4 - Future Education

Tips:

List the colleges/universities to which you have applied.

List your anticipated field of study:

Major Field of Study
Minor Field of Study (if applicable)

Please indicate the college or university you plan to attend in the fall of 2026, if you have made a decision.

Your final choice (May 1, 2026) will be necessary to announce for the Athletes & Scholars Awards Brunch in May 2026.

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Short Answer Essays

Pages 5 & 6 - Short Answer Essays

Tips:

Three Short Answer Essay Questions:

Be brief … place your answer below the questions.
100 words - maximum!
Optional Essay … is a TRICK!

Be sure to answer the question.

Use your own voice … chapgpt.com is NOT recommended!

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Financial Need

Page 5 - Financial Need

Financial need is CONFIDENTIAL information!

Please read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability.
100 words - maximum!

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Personal Essay/Video

Page 6 - Personal Essay

Tips:

Read the question. Read the question again … and again.
Outline your thoughts.

Video Essay (Preferred) - adds a personal connection.

Be creative.
Dress appropriately and stay aware of your surroundings!
Two minutes max!
Upload the video to YouTube and then send it to: megaphonemaniac@aol.com.

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Personal Essay – Typed/Written

Page 6 - Personal Essay

Essay

Typed/written essay.
650 words max!
Be cautious of spelling and grammar.
Use your own voice … chapgpt.com is NOT recommended!

Tips:

If you can craft a strong essay within 500-650 words … go for it!
Use respectful and thoughtful language in your writing. Any inappropriate topics or negative remarks about others will not be accepted and could disqualify your application. Focus on sharing your ideas and experiences positively and constructively.

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Personal Essay - Continued

Tips:

Be innovative and use your own words, personal experiences, and athletic background.

Video essay - be mindful of your background and/or surroundings while filming. Wearing team uniforms, school colors, or displaying school mascots is recommended. Look directly into the camera lens and speak confidently to the adjudicators!

Typed/written essay should be proofread before submitting it.

Be sure to answer the question!

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Student Release/Waiver Status

Page 7 - Student Release/Waiver Status

Be sure to check … and sign.
Student Signature & Parent Signature are mandatory.
Remember to add the date.

Tips:

WAIVE your right to review … is recommended.
NOTE: Electronic signatures will NOT be accepted!

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Scholastic Information

Page 8 - Scholastic Information

Place your name, handwritten signature, and date on the form.
Give to the School Official/School Counselor to complete.

Watch your deadlines – submit 10 days in advance of the deadline.

Include an OFFICIAL Transcript.
Include a School Profile.
Place all items in a sealed envelope.
The School Official will mail all supporting documents to the NJCDCA Scholarship Director so that they are postmarked by January 15, 2026. This is a firm deadline!

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About the Scholastic Process

About the Scholastic Process …

All applicants are evaluated using the same grading scale for both unweighted and weighted GPA.
Standardized Test Scores (ACT/SAT) are scored, and the NJCDCA encourages you to submit your test score report. However, you may still apply for the scholarship even if you do not have standardized test scores.
The School Profile is reviewed to provide insight into the local community, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and more.
The School Official must complete the Scholastic Information Report. If this document is missing, the application will be considered incomplete!

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Cheer/Dance Coach�Evaluation & Recommendation

Cheer/Dance Coach Evaluation and Recommendation

CONFIDENTIAL!

Evaluations and letters of recommendation are reviewed exclusively by the NJCDCA Scholarship Director.

Complete the form with your name and the name of your high school.
Give the evaluation/recommendation form to the cheer/dance coach to complete.
The coach will place the completed form (including the Checklist and Questions) with the attached letter in an envelope and mail it to the NJCDCA Scholarship Director.

Postmarked deadline is January 15, 2026.
Electronic signatures will NOT be accepted.
The mailing address is on the form.
NOTE: Evaluation forms and letters will not be accepted after the deadline date.

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Photo Release

NJCDCA Photo Release

Give the NJCDCA Photo Release to your parent/guardian to complete.
Handwritten signatures from both the parent/guardian and the student-athlete are required.
Remember to date the document!

Include the Photo Release form in the mailing envelope along with the completed scholarship application.

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About the Review Process

About the Review Process …

A panel of professional educators, retired coaches, and an athletic director serves as adjudicators.
Eight weeks to review the candidates.
Meet to discuss ... score … make recommendations, etc.
Present to the NJCDCA Scholarship Committee; Present to NJCDCA Executive Board Members - final vote.
Coaches are notified … share with student athletes.
Recipients are notified through email message and USPS.
Scholarship & Awards Celebration:

Sunday, May 17, 2026 - Jumping Brook Country Club, Neptune, NJ.
Recipients are highly encouraged to attend the recognition ceremony.

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Application Recap

Review of Tips & Tricks

Tips and Tricks:

1. Use BLACK or BLUE ink when completing the application.

2. Use the Checklist - it is important … for YOU and the Scholarship Director. Notes are placed on this page - if the page is missing … the application is incomplete!

3. Four (4) copies of the application must be in the package. One for each adjudicator. If missing … the application is incomplete!

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Application Recap�Continued

Review of Tips & Tricks - Continued

Tips and Tricks Continued:

Place all items in one package and mail to the Scholarship Director.
Mail before the deadline - January 15, 2026.
The POSTMARK deadline is important.
Overnight mailing is NOT necessary … save your money for college!
Separate mailings must also show a POSTMARK deadline of January 15, 2026, or before.

Once all parts of the application have been received, it will be considered complete and ready for review. If any item is missing, the application will be deemed incomplete.

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NJCDCA Scholarship Recipients

NJCDCA Special Awards & Recognitions

Top Gun - Student Athlete
Best All-Around Student Athlete
Excellence in Academics - Scholar Athlete
Excellence in Commitment to Cheer/Dance - 4 Years/12 seasons
Excellence in Community Service/Volunteer Activities
Excellence in Leadership - Donna Maher Leadership Award

“Get Shot by Brian” Scholarship Award
Amy Penn Memorial Scholarship

What type of student athlete is the NJCDCA searching for in 2026?

A well-rounded student who shares a love for cheer and/or dance!

This year … it just might YOU!

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Much Luck & Success

The Executive Board Members

of the

NJCDCA

wish all scholarship applicants the very best of luck throughout the adjudication process!

Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

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End of Presentation

NJCDCA

Scholarship & Awards Recognition

2025-2026

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Thank You!

Questions

Questions - Please email to megaphonemaniac@aol.com.

You will receive a response before the January 15, 2026, scholarship application deadline. Inquiries submitted after this date cannot be answered, as doing so would create a conflict of interest.

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to join the NJCDCA this evening.