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
📅 Applications Open Prior to Each Season
One application per season. We open applications before each sport season begins — check back here or contact Kellie to find out when the next window opens.
📧 Email kellie@makaylafund.orgWhat Your Support Has Built
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:
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
Fall is the season of new beginnings — new teams, new coaches, new chances to belong. For many students, the only thing standing between them and their sport is the cost. The Makayla Fund scholarship removes that barrier.
🍂 Fall 2026 — Applications Open in the Fall
The Makayla Fund scholarship is open to all junior high and high school student-athletes — whether you play for a school team or an outside league. Applications open each fall season.
Check back here in the fall to apply, or contact Kellie directly at kellie@makaylafund.org with any questions.
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 school team OR an outside league/Town sport
- ✦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 on a rolling basis each fall
- ✦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 school team or outside league. One application per season, submitted before the season begins.
Simple Process, Real Help
Check the Season
Applications open each fall. Check back here or email Kellie to confirm the current application window is open.
Send Your Application
Email kellie@makaylafund.org with your student's name, sport, school or league, grade, and a brief note about what you need help with.
Write a Short Essay
Tell us about your student-athlete — their sport, what it means to them, and how the scholarship would help cover their sports fees this season. Applications without essays are not reviewed.
Receive Your Award
We review applications and notify recipients directly. Awards are based on need and available funds. Every application receives a response.
Ready to Apply?
Applications open in the fall. Reach out to Kellie with any questions — we're here to help your student stay on the team.
📧 kellie@makaylafund.org · Applications open each fall season
"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
Apply for a Scholarship
📝 Required Student Essay
"How does being part of a team improve your mental health and boost your self-esteem?"
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 Fall 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 a short essay on the required topic above. Both are required for your application to be reviewed.
Email to Kellie by September 7, 2026
Email your completed form and essay to Kellie before the deadline. Deadline: September 7, 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."
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