SPHEM SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The SPHEM Scholarship Program advances the professional hockey equipment manager profession by reducing financial barriers for qualified candidates pursuing relevant education. Consistent with SPHEM’s mission as an educational resource to NHL equipment managers, the program promotes industry-wide educational standards and competencies.

The program provides a $1,000 scholarship award to help offset qualified educational expenses for students applying to, accepted to, or enrolled in a college or university program related to professional hockey equipment management, sports equipment operations, sports administration, or related fields. Funds are disbursed directly to the recipient’s institution.

Who can apply?

• Applicants must be applying to, accepted to, or enrolled in a college or university program reasonably related to professional hockey equipment management, sports equipment operations, sports administration, or related fields, or a SPHEM-approved foreign equivalent.
• Candidates should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, or equivalent, and demonstrate commitment to professional hockey equipment management or elite hockey equipment operations, evidenced through internships, equipment-room placements, research, personal statement, or other relevant experience. The selection committee may consider applicants below the GPA threshold if other areas of the application are exceptional.
• The program is open to U.S. citizens, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and international students at eligible institutions.

Application Window:

October 1 – December 1, 2026

What is required to apply?

• The completed application form
• Resume or CV, two pages maximum
• Personal statement, 750 words maximum, covering your interest in professional hockey equipment management, your intended academic major, relevant equipment operations competencies, and career aspirations
• One faculty or professional supervisor recommendation, with an optional second
• Official transcript from your undergraduate institution or high school

How do I apply?

Download the application below, complete it, and email the finished application to sphemscholarship@phatssphem.com.

How is the award paid?

The full $1,000 award is applied to the recipient’s institutional account in accordance with the school’s billing schedule. Disbursement is restricted to qualified educational expenses, including tuition and required fees. Books and supplies may be covered if billed through the institution. Living expenses, room and board, and travel are not eligible.

Before funds are disbursed, recipients must provide proof of enrollment in an eligible program and demonstrate academic achievement equivalent to a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, or a comparable standard under a similar regional grading system.

SPHEM may award one or more scholarships annually, or none at all, at its sole discretion.

If you have additional questions, please email us at sphemscholarship@phatssphem.com.