Planet Fitness Judgement Free Generation Scholarship

Planet Fitness is offering $5,000 scholarships to fifty deserving Boys & Girls Club teens who model the Judgement Fre, pro-kindness values for which Planet Fitness and Boys & Girls Clubs of America collectively stand. While many scholarships take into consideration only academics and/or athletics, this scholarship – part of Planet Fitness’ Judgement Free Generation® philanthropic initiative – celebrates and awards students who are creating kinder communities and contributing to a more accepting, welcoming and Judgement Free™ future.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a high school senior
• Be an active member of a Boys & Girls Club organization
• Model the Judgement Free, pro-kindness values through their words and actions
• Enroll in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college, vocational or technical school within one year of high school graduation
• Have the recommendation of a Club staff member

Awards

Up to fifty (50) awards of $5,000 will be awarded. Awards are to be used for education-related expenses for undergraduate study.

Awards are one-time only and not renewable.

Required Documents

Applicants must also complete the following requirements:

• Two short essays and a personal statement
• A short video
• A completed recommendation of a Club staff member

Selection of Recipients

Recipients will be selected based on a scored rubric that takes the following criteria into consideration:

1. Three written statements
   • 1500-2000 character essays on the following topics:
     • Essay One: What does being Judgement Free mean to you, and why do you think this mindset is important? In what ways do you actively promote acceptance, kindness, and belonging on a daily basis?
     • Essay Two: How do you believe that a Judgement Free environment can help create kinder, stronger communities and improve overall wellbeing? How will you personally contribute to creating Judgement Free future in the next chapter of your life?'
   • One 700-1000 character personal statement on how the applicant’s Boys & Girls Club experience has shaped the way they engage with and support their peers and communities.
2. A short video telling why the student is committed to spreading kindness.
   • Video content requirements
     • Prompts: Please respond to the following prompt, repeating the pre-written words and filling in your own answers. “I am committed to creating kinder communities by…[share actions]. This is important because…[share reasons for importance]“
     • Closing Statement: At the end of your video, please say the following phrase: I am a proud member of the Judgement Free Generation®!”
     • Length: 60 seconds or less
     • Format: YouTube video file saved as: .MOV, .MPEG4 or .MP4
3. Demonstrated leadership and participation in club, school and community activities and work experience
4. A recommendation from a Boys & Girls Club staff member with comments about the applicant’s demonstration of Judgement Free values
5. A short video telling why the student is committed to spreading kindness.

Additional Tips

1. To get the perfect shot:
   • Make sure the phone/device is turned sideways; by shooting horizontally, your video fills up the entire frame
   • Keep the camera steady
     • If possible, use a tripod with a mobile device adapter
     • OR, if you are shooting the video yourself, you can prop the device up on something stable or prop your elbow on a desk/table while you hold the device
     • OR, if a friend is shooting the video, have them seated across from you with their elbows resting on something stable for support
   • Stand or sit no more than 3 feet from the device  a shot that shows your upper torso is ideal
   • Do not zoom in on the camera, as it reduces the quality
   • If possible, please record in a well-lit space  natural lighting preferred
2. Speak loud and clear:
   • Find a quiet area with minimal background noise, such as cars, loud talking, televisions, fans, etc.
   • Avoid using any music in the background
   • If you make a mistake, make sure you start from the beginning of that particular thought and not from the middle of a sentence
3. Final reminders:
   • Make sure to look at the camera when speaking
   • Please avoid wearing clothes with highly-visible logos
   • Don’t overthink it remember to smile and show your personality in your response

Payment of Scholarships

Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Planet Fitness. A one-time payment addressed to the scholar’s educational institution will be mailed to the recipient in July of their freshman year. Payments will not be made directly to the scholar.

Obligations

Recipients are required to notify Scholarship America of any changes in address, school enrollment, or other relevant information, and to send a complete transcript when requested.

Revisions

Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Planet Fitness reserve the right to review the conditions and procedures of this scholarship program and to make changes at any time including termination of the program.

For More Information or Questions

Call: 1-507-931-1682