Swim4Elise is extending Elise’s legacy by providing scholarship money to deserving young swimmers who, like Elise, have demonstrated incredible passion for the sport, academic excellence, and an ongoing quest for knowledge.

What scholarships are available?

In 2017, the Swim4Elise Foundation initiated multiple scholarships for USA Swimming Athletes in North Texas LSCs. A few years later, the scholarships were expanded to include competitive High School Swimmers, TAAF (Texas Amateur Athletic Federation) Swimmers and USA Divers in North Texas (Counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise) who are committed to water safety:

  • A University of TX 6-day swim camp scholarship (5th-9th graders)
  • A University of TX 1-day technique clinic
  • A college scholarship (10th-12th graders)
  • A lifeguard certification scholarship (ages 15+)

The number of scholarships and amount of individual awards will be decided annually at the discretion of the Swim4Elise Board of Directors.

University of Texas determines the camps that will be offered each year and when they will be available.

What do the applications entail?

There are 4 parts to the online applications:

  1. Demographic questions, which are part of the online form
  2. Acknowledgment and/or recommendation form, which is to be printed, signed by both parent & coach/teacher/mentor as directed, scanned in or photographed, and then uploaded digitally as part of the online form
  3. Essays, which are to be completed as part of the online form
  4. Supportive attachments, which vary depending on application

NOTE: The Lifeguard Certification Scholarship requires a different recommendation form. To access the form and for more information on the Lifeguard Certification Scholarship (our Lifeguard Challenge program), please click here.

Only fully completed applications will be considered.

Scholarship awards are the final decision of the Swim4Elise Board of Directors.

What do I need to prepare before applying?

Before completing an application, please gather the following items in digital format:

  • Unofficial school transcript
  • The first page of your most current USA Swimming times, High School Swim times, TAAF (Texas Amateur Athletic Federation) Swim times, or USA Diving scores
  • Signed acknowledgment form (both parent and Swimming/Diving Coach, teacher, or mentor)
  • Prepared essays
  • FOR COLLEGE ONLY: Proof of current Lifeguard Certification is NOT required for USA Club Swimmers but IS required for all High School and TAAF Swimmers and Divers applying for the College Scholarship. Applicants in need of lifeguard certification can apply monthly on this website for a lifeguard certification scholarship that will help them meet the prerequisite for the college application.

What are the requirements & guidelines?

College Scholarship Criteria

College Scholarship for 10th-12th graders ($1000-$2500)

  • Available to swimmers in 10th -12th grade
  • Also available to homeschooled swimmers with equivalent credentials
  • Minimum 3 years’ participation in USA Swimming under the North Texas Swimming LSC or 3 years’ participation in High School Swimming, TAAF (Texas Amateur Athletic Federation) Swimming, or USA Diving in North Texas (Counties: Collin, Dallas,  Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise)
  • Proof of Lifeguard Certification is NOT required for USA Club Swimmers; however, bonus points are given for Club Swimmers who hold a current lifeguard certification.
  • Proof of current Lifeguard Certification is required for ALL High School and  TAAF Swimmers and Divers applying. This certification may be attained through any accredited program, however, if a swimmer or diver from North Texas would like to attain rescue skills, they can apply separately to the Swim4Elise Foundation for their training to be funded. PLEASE NOTE: Successful completion of your Lifeguard Certification must be completed at least 30 days prior to the Run4Elise!
  • Minimum GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with unofficial transcript upload (PDF preferred)
  • 2-3 short essays (description on application)
  • Signed acknowledgement from parent and Swimming/Diving Coach, teacher, or mentor
  • Proof of swim times or diving scores as applicable: USA Swimming Athletes must submit first page of most current SWIMS times; All other North Texas athletes must submit High School Swimming times, Rec Team Swimming times, or USA Diving scores and link to source
  • Application submission due by April 15.
  • Applicant must plan to attend an accredited college or university
  • Scholarship is funded to university account once applicant is officially enrolled
  • Recipients of Elise Cerami Memorial Scholarship will be recognized at the Run4Elise each spring

Camp/Clinic Scholarship Criteria

Swim Camp Scholarship for 5th-9th graders ($200-$1200)

  • Available for Sold-Out Session II (6 days) of University of Texas Swim Camp
  • Available for 1-Day University of Texas Technique Clinic (Date determined by University of Texas)
  • Available to swimmers in 5th-9th grade
  • Also available to homeschooled swimmers ages 10 to 15 years old
  • Minimum combine 3 years’ participation in USA Swimming under the North Texas Swimming LSC and/or 3 years’ participation in High School/TAAF Swimming in North Texas (Counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise)
  • Minimum GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with unofficial transcript upload (PDF preferred)
  • 2-3 short essays (description on application)
  • Signed acknowledgement from parent and Swimming Coach, teacher, or mentor
  • Proof of swim times as applicable: USA Swimming Athletes must submit first page of most current SWIMS times; All other North Texas athletes must submit High School or Rec Team Swimming times and link to source
  • Bonus points will be provided to any camp applicant who provides proof of current CPR and AED Certification
  • Application submission due by April 15.
  • Swim camps/clinics are chosen by the Swim4Elise Board
  • Scholarship is paid directly to University of Texas Swim Camp/Clinic
  • Transportation to/from the camp is provided by the swimmer and not by the Foundation
  • Recipients of Elise Cerami Memorial Scholarship will be recognized at the Run4Elise each spring

Lifeguard Certification Criteria

Lifeguard Certification Scholarship – Swimmers/Divers Ages 15+

  • Available to USA Club Swimmers, competitive High School or TAAF Swimmers, and USA Diving ages 15+ in the application year who reside in North Texas (Counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise)
  • Minimum combined 3 years’ participation in USA Swimming under the North Texas Swimming LSC and/or 3 years’ participation in competitive High School Swimming, TAAF Swimming, or USA Diving in North Texas
  • Minimum GPA 3.0 on a 4.0 scale with unofficial transcript upload (PDF preferred)
  • 2-3 short essays (description on application)
  • Signed consent/reference form from parent and USA Swimming/Diving coach
  • If USA Swimmer, most recent official 100 free style time (or any distance event) from USA Swimming
  • If competitive High School or TAAF Swimmer, screen shot of your most recent 100 free style time (or any distance event) from Meet Mobile app or equivalent (PDF or JPG)
  • If USA Diver, most recent diving scores from USA Diving event or equivalent
  • Scholarship applications are due by the 15th of each month and awarded on a monthly basis
  • Recipients of Elise Cerami Memorial Scholarship will be recognized at the Run4Elise each spring
  • American Red Cross Course is the preferred organization selected by the Swim4Elise Board
  • Scholarship is paid directly to American Red Cross Preferred Vendor
  • Must meet American Red Cross lifeguard certification requirements:
    • Swim 300 yards free style continuously
    • Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs
    • Complete 6 hours of online self-study
    • Complete 3 days of in-water and/or poolside instruction
    • Complete Red Cross exam(s) with 80% or higher
    • Within 1 minute and 40 seconds: Swim 20 yards, dive 10 feet, retrieve 10-pound brick, return to starting point with brick, and exit pool from side.

Lifeguard Certification Scholarship – Coaches

  • Qualified USA Swimming or high school team coach (high schools within these North Texas counties: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise)
  • Able to provide valid USA Swimming ID and ASCA level, or valid high school coach ID
  • 1 short paragraph (optional) about importance of rescue skills (description on application)
  • Completed acknowledgement form and signed recommendation from a supervising or peer coach
  • Scholarship applications are due by the 15th of each month and awarded on a monthly basis
  • Recipients of Elise Cerami Memorial Scholarship will be recognized at the Run4Elise each spring
  • American Red Cross Course is the preferred organization selected by the Swim4Elise Board
  • Scholarship is paid directly to American Red Cross Preferred Vendor
  • Must meet American Red Cross lifeguard certification requirements

What if I'm not currently lifeguard certified but I need to be?

Swim4Elise provides lifeguard certification scholarships on a monthly basis!

Please read the Lifeguard Certification Criteria provided on this page and submit your application. Applications received by the 15th of each month will be reviewed, and applicants will be notified of their acceptance as soon as possible. Lifeguard certification can typically be earned within 1-2 months, depending on applicant and class availability.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

ONLINE APPLICATION

CAMP/CLINIC SCHOLARSHIP

ONLINE APPLICATION

LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION

ONLINE APPLICATION