Amputee members of the NAGA may wish to apply for amputee scholarships for golf from the National Amputee Golf Association Educational Scholarship Grant Program. Members of the NAGAas well as their dependents are eligible to apply for the golf grant. The amount of the amputee grant for the four-year bachelor’s degree is $2,000 per year. This is based on $1,000 increments per semester. Tri-semester programs may also be considered. The golf grant is awarded for a maximum of four years or until the student graduates, whichever should occur first. The award amount for a 2 year non-bachelor’s degree or associate’s degree is a maximum of $1,000 per year or $500 per semester.
National Amputee Golf Association Amputee Scholarships Mission
The goal of this program is to assist amputee members or their dependent in paying tuition and fees while pursuing a two year technical/vocational degree or undergraduate degree at an accredited vocational/technical school or college. Funds from the National Amputee Golf Association Educational Scholarship Grant are disbursed to the award recipient so that they may pay the costs associated with their educational expenses.
NAGA Golf Amputee Scholarship Criteria
The award will continue to be awarded to recipient based on four criteria, maintaining a 3.0 GPA, continuing to demonstrate financial need, continuing membership in the NAGA and timely submission of grades and enrollment certifications. To be eligible for the amputee scholarships for golf, students must be an amputee member in good standing with the National Amputee Golf Association or a dependent of an amputee member who is in good standing. The applicant must also have a scholastic background that is sufficient to be admitted to an accredited college or institution. Applicants must also demonstrate financial assistance by submitting a Student Aid Report. Also, students must be enrolled at a minimum of half time. Applications must be submitted no later than September 1st.
About the NAGA and How the Golf Amputee Scholarships Started
The National Amputee Golf Association was incorporated in 1954. In the beginning, the organization consisted of only a small group of amputee golfers. The small friendly games that originated the organization eventually developed into regional tournaments across the United States. NAGA has today grown to consist of 2,500 members around the world. The original dozen amputee members included Dale Bourisseau, who was a WWII veteran. Mr. Bourissea was physically disabled as a result of an amputation below the knee incurred during his service in the war. After he connected with other comrades who had similar injuries, he convinced them to begin playing golf as a way to reinforce their pride as a method of recreation.
Dale eventually formed a partnership with Possibilities Unlimited, which was a group of individuals with disabilities from Cleveland, Ohio. As a way of attracting members, Dale began to travel with golf clubs. That, combined with word of mouth, helped to grow the organization. Over time the group grew to a regional organization and then began to play tournaments in cities around the country. Along with players across the United States, National Amputee Golf Association now has hundreds of members in approximately 17 different countries around the world. Along with national tournaments, the organization also sponsors a National Senior Championship and local and regional tournaments across the country.
The National Amputee Golf Association also sponsors the First Swing Program. This program teaches adaptive golf to individuals with disabilities. More than 30 clinics have been held across the country on an annual basis. Golf for the Physically Challenged program has also makes it possible for many people to realize that they can play the game of golf and enjoy an outdoor sport despite the fact that they may have a disability or physical challenge. The National Amputee Golf Association’s First Swing program has also been introduced to rehabilitation centers and hospitals throughout the country. As a result, hundreds of physically challenged individuals and amputees have been able to participate in National Amputee Golf Association golf programs.
This program may be the only golf amputee scholarships grants which exist of its kind with exception to private clubs scartered throughout the country and only their members would be eligible to apply for them. NAGA is currently directed by a Board of Trustees that is comprised of five regional representatives.
