Heat Social Responsibility Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Miami Heat

The Miami HEAT Charitable Fund is proud to announce the availability of five HEAT Scholarships for high school seniors enrolled in schools in Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, or Palm Beach. The scholarship application period opens each academic year, with the awards being granted between April and May. The deadline for this year's application is Saturday, January 17, 2026. This marks the 30th anniversary of the Miami HEAT scholarship program. Scholarships are granted based on academic excellence and exceptional community service. The scholarships available are as follows:

1. Three (3) HEAT Scholarships worth $10,000.00 each
2. One (1) Dr. Jack Ramsay Scholarship worth $10,000.00
3. One (1) Alec Kessler Student-Athlete Scholarship worth $10,000.00

Miami HEAT Scholarship: This is awarded to students who have shown academic excellence, significant community service, and have a demonstrated financial need.

Dr. Jack Ramsay Scholarship: This is granted to a student who has shown academic excellence, significant community service, and has a demonstrated financial need.

Alec Kessler Student-Athlete Scholarship: This is awarded to a student who has shown academic excellence, significant community service, participates in a sport, and has a demonstrated financial need.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

All applications must be submitted by Saturday, January 17, 2026. Only completed applications postmarked by this date will be considered. A representative from Miami HEAT will reach out to the potential scholarship recipients before June 30, 2026, to confirm their acceptance. Scholarships will be granted based on the eligibility criteria outlined below and in accordance with all NBA rules and regulations. The scholarship funds will be applied towards the winners’ first-year college tuition in the Fall of 2026.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• For consideration for any of the five HEAT Scholarships, the student must meet the following requirements:
• Be a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident.
• Be a high school student enrolled in a public or private school in Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, or Palm Beach County.
• Have a minimum un-weighted GPA of 3.0 by the end of the first grading period of their senior year.
• Submit an official transcript from the high school registrar.
• Submit a copy of their SAT and/or ACT score.
• Have a financial need for assistance as determined by their accepted university’s Financial Aid Office.
• Submit the following letters:
  • Two (2) recommendation letters from a current high school teacher or administrator on school letterhead.
  • Two (2) or more letters from a community-based organization, on that specific organization’s letterhead verifying community service and hours performed.
  • One (1) letter from High School Athletic Director or Coach on school letterhead verifying candidate’s participation in a high school sport. (Only applies to Alec Kessler Student-Athlete Scholarship applicants).
• Be accepted to and enroll in a four-year accredited college or university in the USA. Submit at least one letter of acceptance from the four-year accredited college or university they plan to attend (multiple if undecided on choice of college or university).
• Submit a writing sample as outlined in the application form.
• Children or grandchildren of current employees of the Miami HEAT are not eligible.

SELECTION PROCESS

A selection committee made up of Miami HEAT employees and Miami HEAT Charitable Fund Board Members will review and rate the eligible applications. The final decisions on scholarship awards will be based on the following criteria, which will be considered equally:

• Career Goals
• Writing Sample
• Financial Need
• Recommendations from Teachers/School officials
• Academic Achievement
• Community Service Verification Letter(s)
• College/University Acceptance Letter
• Sport Participation Verification Letter (Only applies to Alec Kessler Student-Athlete Scholarship applicants)