Athletes are often faced with challenges on and off the field, and the BBB Ethical Athlete Scholarship focuses on honoring a student’s ethical behavior and positive influence on others. Of the six Ethical Athlete Scholarship Recipients, two student athletes that motivate and inspire those around them have the opportunity to be chosen as BBB Ethical Champions.

BBB and AIA will select one winner every month from September to February (total of 6 winners). Nominations are now open through February 28, 2026. Each selected Ethical Athlete winner will win a $1,000 scholarship and certificate. Nominations will roll over month to month.

Two BBB Ethical Champions will be chosen from the six Ethical Athlete Scholarship Recipients to each win a $2,500 scholarship and announced at the AIA Championship event in May 2026.

Ethical Champions will be recognized and honored at their schools or AIA Champion Awards Ceremony in May.

Arizona high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors enrolled in AIA sanctioned schools and participating in AIA sanctioned school sports, including badminton, baseball, basketball, beach volleyball, cheer, cross country, dive, football, golf, robotics, soccer, softball, spiritline, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball and wrestling are eligible.

Coaches, teachers, teammates, relatives, friends and self-nominations are accepted for a deserving student athlete for the BBB Ethical Athlete Scholarship.

• High school athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 and submit a current transcript with nomination. 

Nominations must answer each of the following questions.

• How has the student demonstrated dedication to the sport and to academics? Please describe and share examples. (100-200 words)
• Besides a sports injury, what challenges has the student athlete overcome? Please explain. (100-200 words)
• How has the student displayed ethical behavior when playing a sport(s) and outside of playing a sport(s)? Please explain. (100-200 words)

Examples may include situations on and off the track, field or court, etc. and should exemplify the student’s character and their positive influence on others. Nominations should share the student’s story and how their moral compass has helped them overcome an ethical challenge and their dedication to the sport and academics.

Nominations are now open until February 28, 2026.

BBB is seeking nominations that highlight a student-athlete’s ethical compass and willingness to do the right thing, even in the most difficult situations. Nominations must demonstrate how the student-athlete overcame a challenging ethical dilemma. Nominations that meet the criteria above will be shared with a panel of judges.

Judges score each nomination on the following criteria, five being the greatest possible score in each category:

1. Demonstration/examples of how the student overcame a challenging ethical dilemma (1-5);
2. Compelling story highlighting the student-athlete’s character (1-5);
3. Student’s impact and influence on others to do the right thing (1-5).
4. Student’s dedication to the sport and academics (1-5).

The six ethical athletes are verified with AIA for good standing. Once confirmed, these student-athletes, their nominators, athletic directors and coaches are notified by BBB. Fund disbursement is coordinated with BBB, AIA, and winning athletes. Students may be awarded in group settings at larger season games, such as championship games. Ethical Champions will be contacted with information pertaining to the AIA Annual Champion Awards Ceremony in May where winners will be recognized and given their awards.