ABOUT SCHOLAR GYMASTS
In light of my discovery that USA Gymnastics' Academic All-American Program is currently only available for boys (despite the fact that gymnastics is a sport dominated by incredible girls), I decided to create a title for accomplished scholar gymnasts that would be available to all. This is the 21st century and I want to make a change toward gender equality while encouraging education for all.
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Requirements: The Scholar Gymnast Award is available with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. The award is open to any gymnast of any gender in organized competition, whether USA Gymnastics, NGA, USAIGC, JO, Xcel programs, high school teams, homeschooled gymnasts and gymnasts whose schools do not give out GPAs. We are matching the requirements for Academic All American Award from USAG.
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For the applications for Scholar Gymnast, I am matching the USA Gymnastics Academic All-American $20 application fee*. All proceeds from application fees will be donated directly to Room to Read, a charity with very high Charity Navigator ratings that does great work in advancing educational opportunities for underserved girls -- and boys -- around the world. Donations are tax-deductible.
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I hope this will help us create a strong and empowering community of Scholar Gymnasts.
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*If the $20 fee to receive either award is a financial hardship, the fee may be waived. I strive to be inclusive of all genders and financial situations.
About The Creator
OUR STORY
Phoebe Trask
Founder and Manager
Hey! My name is Phoebe and I am a senior high school student who has been a gymnast for over 13 years competing at national levels in France and at state levels in California in the Xcel Platinum program.
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In my freshman year, my coaches (who had recently come from coaching boys and assumed the opportunity was open to all) told my team about USA Gymnastics Academic All-American program and encouraged us to achieve AAA status. We were motivated and worked extremely hard in both school and gymnastics. Despite achieving well over a 3.5 GPA, as well as reaching States (and Regionals) in competition, I discovered that none of us were allowed to apply for AAA simply because we are girls. I called and spoke to one of the executive officers of the Women's Gymnastics Program who told her they had never even considered having a program for girls, especially as "maybe boys just need more motivation." I was appalled by the response and felt that it was insulting to both girls and boys. I believe that gymnasts, no matter gender identity are equally deserving of recognition for outstanding athletic and scholarly achievements.
My Response
I decided to found Scholar Gymnasts in hope that through the alternative award, not only will girls get the recognition they deserve but also boys and girls will join our fight for equality in education and sports opportunities here in the US and around the world.
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I created Scholar Gymnasts in the hope that this tangible award can help recognize the talents, achievements, growth, hard work, and dedication gymnasts spend in the sport.
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I have dedicated around 5,100 hours to gymnastics throughout my life, yet I have nothing to show for my hard work and dedication as the AAA is not available to the women's program. I hope that through this award, non-collegiate bound gymnasts will be able to have something to demonstrate their outstanding commitment to this sport.