Rising Stars Athlete Award

• Sports: Any Sport
• Grades: 70 - 100%
• Citizenship: Canadian
• Age (Not Required): 16 - 19

Additional Notes

Rising Stars Athlete Award

Purpose

The Rising Stars Athlete Award supports Canadian student-athletes who are committed to continuing both their athletic and academic journeys at the post-secondary level. Created by Co-Elite, a platform focused on improving access and visibility in recruiting, this scholarship recognizes the work it takes to pursue sport beyond high school - whether that means balancing academics and training, overcoming limited exposure, or navigating a non-traditional pathway.

We’re looking for athletes who have shown consistent commitment to their sport, are actively working to improve, and are preparing for the demands of college or university athletics. Applicants may come from high-profile programs or underrepresented sports - what matters most is effort, progression, and intent.

Scholarship Details

• Number of Awards: 3
• Amount: $500 CAD each (one-time award)

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

Grade Level

• Grade 12 students (Class of 2026) planning to attend a Canadian college or university in Fall 2026, or
• Grade 11 students (Class of 2027) entering Grade 12 in Fall 2026 with plans to attend a Canadian post-secondary institution in Fall 2027.

Citizenship

• Must be a Canadian citizen.

Academic Standing

• Minimum GPA of 2.7 (70%) in the 2025-2026 school year.
• Proof (e.g., transcript) may be requested for finalists.

Athletic Participation

• Active participation in a competitive sport during the 2025-2026 school year (school, club, travel), or current involvement in training, leagues, camps, or competition at the time of application.

Intent to Pursue Post-Secondary Athletics

• Demonstrated intent to compete at the Canadian college or university level, shown through the required Athletic Vision Statement and athletic portfolio.

Athletic Portfolio Submission (Choose One)

Applicants must submit athletic evidence using one of the following methods. The goal is to provide a clear view of your ability, commitment, and potential.

Option A: Co-Elite App
Create a complete athlete profile on the free Co-Elite app by the deadline, including:

• At least one highlight reel or game footage (uploaded or linked), and
• At least 2 written profile sections completed (3-4 recommended):
  • Personal Statement
  • Career Aspirations
  • Community Involvement
  • Accomplishments

Submitting via the Co-Elite app allows you to build a reusable athletic profile you can update and use beyond this scholarship.

Option B: Online Submission
Submit a comprehensive athletic portfolio including:

• A link to video highlights or full game footage (YouTube, Vimeo, or similar), and
• Written responses completed online (choose at least 2 sections (3-4 recommended), 200-250 words each):
  • Personal Statement (athletic journey and motivation)
  • Career Aspirations (academic + athletic direction)
  • Community Involvement (team, school, or community impact)
  • Accomplishments (roles, milestones, leadership)

Both submission methods are evaluated equally. Use whichever option allows you to present your journey most clearly.

Athletic Vision Statement

1,000 words maximum

Tell us who you are as an athlete and where you’re headed. Your response should address:

• What motivates you to pursue your sport beyond high school
• How you expect to contribute to a post-secondary team environment
• A challenge you’ve faced and what you learned from it
• An example of your values or character in action

Tips:

• Be specific and honest - growth and effort matter as much as results
• Grade 11 applicants should focus on trajectory and development, not fixed outcomes
• One clear example is stronger than many vague ones
• Staying under the word limit matters

Optional Supplement

• One letter of recommendation from a coach, mentor, or program leader who can speak to your commitment, character, or readiness for post-secondary athletics.
• Not required and no penalty if not submitted.

We recognize that access to resources varies. You are encouraged to apply even if you haven’t had access to private clubs, showcases, or expensive training environments.

How Applications Are Evaluated

Applications are evaluated using documented criteria across three areas:

• Athletic Talent, Achievements & Potential – 40%
• Athletic Vision Statement – 40%
• Technical Compliance – 20%

Using the Co-Elite app provides no advantage in judging. All applications are evaluated equally based on the quality and completeness of the submission.

Important Note for Grade 11 Recipients

Recipients entering Grade 12 in Fall 2026 must maintain the minimum GPA, continue athletic participation, and demonstrate ongoing intent to pursue post-secondary athletics to remain eligible for disbursement.

Disbursement

• Grade 12 recipients: Funds sent directly to the Canadian post-secondary institution upon proof of enrollment and required details in Fall 2026.
• Grade 11 recipients: Funds held and sent upon proof of enrollment and required details in Fall 2027, provided ongoing requirements are met.
• Awards may be forfeited if enrollment is not confirmed by November 30 of the applicable year.

Timeline

Applications will be reviewed after the deadline. The review process may take up to 4 weeks or longer depending on volume. Once recipients and enrollment details are confirmed, funds will be disbursed within 14 days.

Don’t Have a Co-Elite Profile?

The Co-Elite app is a free tool designed to help student-athletes organize their athletic information and showcase their journey beyond this scholarship. Use is optional.

For legal disclosures, please review Co-Elite’s Terms of Use.

About Co-Elite

Co-Elite is a Canadian-built platform designed to help student-athletes prepare for and navigate post-secondary opportunities with clarity and confidence. Our goal is to improve access, visibility, and decision-making for athletes—regardless of location, school size, or sport.

Through Co-Elite, athletes can organize their athletic experience into clear, multimedia profiles that highlight ability, commitment, and progression. The platform also helps students explore academic programs, compare schools, and better understand campus life, allowing them to make informed choices about their future beyond sport.

Founded by athletes, Co-Elite goes beyond recruitment. We focus on preparation, perspective, and opportunity, supporting student-athletes as they take ownership of their journey into higher education and beyond.

🌐 Learn more at www.co-elite.com

🚀 Find Co-Elite on the App Store and Google Play Store.