Every Kid Deserves
to Play
Founded by Tim & Kellie Guerriero in Makayla's memory — because sports build confidence, resilience, and belonging. No student should miss their season because fees get in the way.
Always in our hearts 💜
The Makayla Fund Student-Athlete Scholarship
Founded by Tim & Kellie Guerriero, the Makayla Fund Scholarship was created to remove the financial barriers that prevent junior high and high school students from participating in the sports they love — in memory of their daughter Makayla, who herself was a passionate multi-sport athlete.
We believe sports do more than keep kids active. They build confidence, character, teamwork, and resilience — and for many teens, being part of a team is a lifeline for their mental health and sense of belonging.
This scholarship is open to all families — not just those who qualify for school aid. If life throws an unexpected challenge and sports fees become a burden, we are here to help.
📋 Quick Facts
❄️ Winter 2026 Applications Are Now Open
Applications for the winter season are due December 1, 2026 by 12:00 PM EST. One application per season.
🏅 Apply for Winter 2026What Your Support Has Built
More Than a Game — Sports Save Lives
We know from experience — and from research — that participation in school sports is one of the most powerful protective factors against teen depression, anxiety, and isolation. When a young person has a team to show up for, a coach who notices them, and peers who rely on them, everything changes.
Makayla loved sports. She played Varsity Lacrosse at Abington High School, competed with the South Shore Basketball Travel League, and trained at South Shore Boxing. Being part of a team gave her community, structure, and purpose.
That's exactly why The Makayla Fund scholarship exists — to make sure every teen who wants to be on a team, gets to be on a team.
Mental Health Benefits
Student-athletes report lower rates of depression and anxiety. Team sports provide structure, routine, and a daily reason to get up and show up — powerful anchors for teen mental health.
Belonging & Connection
Being on a team means having people who notice when you're absent, who cheer for you, and who hold you accountable. That sense of belonging is one of the strongest protections against teen isolation.
Confidence & Resilience
Sports teach teens to handle failure, push through difficulty, and celebrate effort. These lessons carry far beyond the field — into school, relationships, and life.
This Season Starts With You
Winter is when teammates lean on each other most — long practices, cold mornings, and a team that keeps you going. For many students, the only thing standing between them and their sport is the cost. The Makayla Fund scholarship removes that barrier.
❄️ Winter 2026 — Applications Now Open
The Makayla Fund scholarship is open to all junior high and high school student-athletes — on any high school or junior high school team. Winter applications are due December 1, 2026 by 12:00 PM EST.
Questions? Contact Kellie directly at kellie@makaylafund.org.
This Scholarship Is Open to Everyone
Unlike many scholarships, The Makayla Fund does not require financial hardship documentation or a minimum GPA. If your family needs a little help covering sports costs this season — you qualify.
✅ You ARE Eligible If...
- ✦You are in junior high or high school (grades 7–12)
- ✦You play on a high school or junior high school team
- ✦Your family needs help with fees, equipment, or activity costs
- ✦You are located in Massachusetts or Arizona
- ✦You have a sport or team you are committed to
- ✦Your situation changed unexpectedly — job loss, unexpected bill, new expense
💛 A Few Things to Know...
- ✦You do NOT need to prove financial hardship with documents
- ✦You do NOT need to qualify for school-based financial aid
- ✦You do NOT need a minimum GPA or athletic achievement level
- ✦Applications are reviewed each season after the deadline
- ✦Awards vary based on need and available funds
- ✦We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, or background
We Cover the Real Costs
Sports Fees
The Makayla Fund Scholarship covers sports participation fees — the registration and activity fees required to join a high school or junior high school team. One application per season, submitted before the season begins.
Simple Process, Real Help
Download the Form
Download the Winter 2026 application below. Applications open before each season — winter applications are open now.
Complete the Application
A parent or guardian fills out every field — student, school, sport, athletic director, and the fee amount you need help with.
Write the Essay
Your student writes an essay answering this season's prompt (shown below). Applications without essays are not reviewed.
Email by Dec 1
Email the form and essay to Kellie by December 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST. We notify recipients directly — every application receives a response.
Ready to Apply?
Winter 2026 applications are open now and due December 1, 2026 by 12:00 PM EST. Reach out to Kellie with any questions — we're here to help your student stay on the team.
📧 kellie@makaylafund.org · Winter deadline: December 1, 2026
Apply for a Scholarship
📝 Required Student Essay — Winter 2026
"Describe a time when you, a teammate, or a coach used teamwork, sport, or peer support to help someone overcome a challenge, on or off the field. What role did you play, and what did you learn from the experience?"
Please attach the student's essay along with your completed application. Applications without essays will not be reviewed.
Download the Application
Click below to download the Winter 2026 Makayla Fund Athletic Scholarship Application form.
⬇️ Download Application FormFill It Out & Write the Essay
Complete all fields on the form. Have your student write an essay on the Winter 2026 topic above. Both are required for your application to be reviewed.
Email to Kellie by December 1, 2026
Email your completed form and essay to Kellie before the deadline. Deadline: December 1, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST.
✉️ Email to Kellie@TheMakaylaFund.orgButton not working? Email directly: Kellie@TheMakaylaFund.org
"All scholarship winners remain anonymous — only the school and sport will be advertised."
"We believe that participating in sports can play a transformative role in a young person's life — building self-esteem, character, responsibility, teamwork, and resilience." — Tim & Kellie Guerriero, Founders
Every Dollar Keeps a Kid on the Field
The scholarship covers the real costs that families face when sports feel out of reach. Here is exactly what your donation funds:
Help Keep a Kid on the Team
The Makayla Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit · Tax ID: 46-2400995 · All donations are tax-deductible