Planet Fitness Judgement Free Generation Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Planet Fitness
Planet Fitness is awarding fifty $5,000 scholarships to outstanding Boys & Girls Club high school seniors who exemplify the Judgement Free, pro-kindness values championed by Planet Fitness and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Unlike scholarships that focus solely on grades or sports, this award—part of the Judgement Free Generation initiative—recognizes young people who are fostering more welcoming, inclusive, and compassionate communities.
Eligibility
- Must be a high school senior.
- Must be an active member of a Boys & Girls Club.
- Must demonstrate Judgement Free, pro-kindness behavior in words and actions.
- Must plan to enroll full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college, vocational, or technical program within one year of high school graduation.
- Must have a recommendation from a Boys & Girls Club staff member.
Award details
- Up to 50 scholarships of $5,000 each will be granted.
- Funds must be used for education-related expenses at the undergraduate level.
- Awards are one-time only and are not renewable.
Application materials (required)
- Two longer essays (see lengths and prompts below).
- One shorter personal statement (see length and prompt below).
- A short video (60 seconds or less) meeting the specified script and technical requirements.
- A completed recommendation from a Boys & Girls Club staff member.
Written submission requirements (scored)
- Two essays: each 1,500–2,000 characters addressing these topics:
1) What being judgment-free means to you and why that mindset matters. How do you promote acceptance, kindness, and belonging in your daily life?
2) How can a Judgement Free environment build kinder, healthier communities? How will you help create a Judgement Free future as you move into the next phase of your life?
- One personal statement: 700–1,000 characters describing how your experience with the Boys & Girls Club has influenced how you support and engage with peers and your community.
Video requirements (scored)
- Length: 60 seconds or less.
- Required spoken content: Use the provided prompts, repeating the pre-written lead-in and then supplying your answers:
- “I am committed to creating kinder communities by [share actions]. This is important because [share reasons for importance].”
- Closing line: At the end of the clip say, “I am a proud member of the Judgement Free Generation.”
- Technical format: Submit as a .MOV, .MPEG4, or .MP4 file (suitable for upload to video hosting like YouTube if requested).
Other selection considerations
- Demonstrated leadership and involvement in Boys & Girls Club, school, community activities, and/or work experience.
- Recommendation letter from a Boys & Girls Club staff member that speaks to the applicant’s embodiment of Judgement Free values.
Video production tips
- Record horizontally (landscape orientation) so the frame is filled.
- Keep the camera stable: use a tripod or prop the device on a steady surface; if another person records you, have them brace their arms on a surface.
- Position yourself no more than about 3 feet from the camera; an upper-torso framing works well.
- Avoid digital zoom to preserve video quality.
- Film in good lighting—natural light is preferred—and in a quiet area with minimal background noise.
- Do not use background music.
- If you make a mistake, restart that thought from the beginning rather than mid-sentence.
- Look at the camera when speaking, avoid clothing with large visible logos, and let your personality show—smile and be genuine.
Payment process
- Scholarship America will handle payment distribution on behalf of Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Planet Fitness.
- Awards are paid as a single check made payable to the recipient’s educational institution and mailed in July of the student’s freshman year.
- Payments are issued to institutions only and will not be sent directly to scholars.