Ben Palacio Scholarship

The Ben Palacio Judo Scholarship is established to provide financial support to dedicated judo students who are enrolled at, or planning to attend, City College of San Francisco. The scholarship is intended to assist with expenses related to academic studies and judo training, helping students continue their education while developing as athletes, leaders, and members of the judo community.

This scholarship honors the spirit of judo by encouraging:

Commitment to education
Long-term participation in judo
Personal character and integrity
Mutual welfare and benefit (Jita Kyoei)
Continuous self-improvement (Seiryoku Zenyo)

Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following:

Academic

Accepted to or currently enrolled at City College of San Francisco
Enrolled in at least 6 units (or equivalent part-time status)
Minimum 2.5 GPA (or first-semester standing for new students)

Judo

Active member of the CCSF Judo Program
Minimum 6 months of judo training prior to application
Commitment to continued participation during the award period

Conduct & Values

Good standing with CCSF Judo Club
Demonstrated sportsmanship and respect for judo principles:
- Jita Kyoei (Mutual Welfare & Benefit)
- Seiryoku Zenyo (Maximum Efficiency)
No major disciplinary actions within the past 12 months

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

Completed Application Form
Personal Statement (500–750 words)
- Educational goals
- Judo background
- How the scholarship will support their development
Proof of Enrollment (CCSF)
Judo Participation Verification
- Signed by CCSF Judo instructor or club sensei

Award Amount Structure

Category	Amount
Full Award	$250 per semester
Partial Award	$100 per semester

Use of Funds

Funds may be applied to:

Tuition & student fees
Judo club dues
Equipment (gi, belts, protective gear)
Competition registration
Travel for sanctioned events
Training camps / certifications

Funds are paid: Directly to CCSF student

Selection Rubric (100 Points)

Category	Points
Academic Commitment	20
Judo Participation & Progress	20
Personal Statement Quality	15
Financial Need	15
Character & Sportsmanship	15
Leadership / Service	10
Recommendation Strength	5

Scoring Levels

90–100: Outstanding candidate
75–89: Strong candidate
60–74: Qualified candidate
Below 60: Not recommended

Annual Timeline

Phase	Timeline
Fall Semester
Scholarship Announcement	September 1
Applications Open	September 1
Application Deadline	October 1
Committee Review	October 1 – October 30
Final Selection	November 1
Award Notification	November 15
Funds Disbursement	November 30
Spring Semester
Scholarship Announcement	January 1
Applications Open	January 1
Application Deadline	March 1
Committee Review	March 1 – March 30
Final Selection	April 1
Award Notification	April 15
Funds Disbursement	May 1

Program Statement

The Ben Palacio Judo Scholarship, administered in partnership between the United States Judo Federation and the City College of San Francisco Judo Program, supports student-athletes who demonstrate academic dedication, commitment to judo, and strong personal character.

The scholarship reflects the core values of judo and the shared mission of USJF and CCSF to develop disciplined, ethical, and resilient leaders through education and sport.