The Makayla Fund Athletic Scholarship
Is your child playing a junior high or high school sport this year?
We’re here to help make that experience possible — and meaningful.
About the Scholarship
Founded in 2013 by Kellie and Tim Guerriero, with the unwavering support of family and friends, The Makayla Fund was established to honor the life and legacy of Makayla Guerriero by giving back to students and families in our community.
At the heart of our mission is a belief that every teen deserves the opportunity to participate in school sports—not only for the physical benefits, but for the confidence, self-esteem, teamwork, character, and mental wellness that come with it. Unfortunately, for many families, even the basic costs associated with school athletics can be a barrier.
That’s where The Makayla Fund steps in.
Since its founding, The Makayla Fund has awarded over $110,000 in scholarships, supporting:
350+ student-athletes
15 schools in Massachusetts and 4 full teams in Massachusetts and Arizona
These scholarships cover school-required athletic expenses, Participation fees
Our focus is clear: to remove financial barriers so that all families—regardless of income—can give their teens the opportunity to experience the life-changing benefits of organized sports. Everyone needs a little help sometimes, and we’re here to make sure no student is left off the sidelines.
Through your continued support, we are making a difference—one student at a time.
How to Apply
To apply for the 2026 Spring Sports Season, students must submit:
A completed application (Application Link)
Complete a short student-written essay on the following topic: “How has sports and being part of a team helped you learn to manage your overall mental health?”
TIPS to help you with your Essay
Focus on a specific experience or moment, not just general ideas.
Talk about what you learned and how you changed.
Include both challenges and positive outcomes.
Be authentic — personal stories resonate more than generic statements.
📅 Deadline: March, 15, 2026 Applications submitted after this date may not be reviewed.
📌 Please note:
Scholarships are only for the current season.
Individual student winners will remain anonymous. Only the school and sport will be publicly acknowledged.
The Makayla Fund is open to both junior high and high school teams.
We welcome all families to apply — even those who don’t qualify for other aid programs. We understand life brings unexpected challenges.
Helpful Ideas
To help you get started, consider the following:
1️⃣ Start With a Real Moment
Describe a specific experience:
A tough loss
An injury
Pressure before a big game
Conflict with teammates
A time you struggled with confidence or stress
Specific stories are stronger than general statements.
2️⃣ Explain the Challenge
What were you feeling at the time?
Anxiety?
Self-doubt?
Frustration?
Overwhelm?
Be honest — growth often starts with difficulty.
3️⃣ Connect It to Sports & Team
How did being part of a team help?
Did a coach say something meaningful?
Did teammates support you?
Did practice give you structure or routine?
Did discipline or goal-setting help you manage stress?
4️⃣ Show Growth
What did you learn?
How do you handle stress differently now?
What mental skills did you develop?
Resilience
Communication
Confidence
Emotional control
Leadership
How will you carry these lessons into your future?
5️⃣ End With Reflection
Close with what sports has meant to your overall well-being — not just as a game, but as a tool for life.
🔒 Non-Discrimination Policy
The Makayla Fund is committed to fairness and equal opportunity for all students. We do not discriminate in our programs or scholarship awards based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, or disability.
Our support is open to all junior high and high school students, and we work to ensure every young person has the chance to participate in school athletics—regardless of their background or circumstances. That’s the kind of inclusion and kindness Makayla believed in—just how she would have wanted it.
📥 Ready to Apply?
Application 📧 Questions? Contact us at kellie@makaylafund.org