Cayson Pearson Memorial Scholarship Application Information

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Cayson Jack Pearson grew up in Lakewood, Colorado, and loved sports.  Basketball was his passion: he played as a youth in the Green Mountain, D'Evelyn, and Chatfield youth programs, and played for the B&B Basketball Club.  Cayson's high school basketball career began at Chatfield Senior High School for his freshman and sophomore seasons, and concluded at Green Mountain High School for his junior and senior seasons. 

(Click here to see some of his highlights from his senior season)

In January of 2024, Cayson passed away from suicide following a ten-year battle with depression.  His family received so much support and offers to help: such as where to make a donation, or where to send flowers, etc.  The support was so appreciated, and his family decided that Cayson would want to help kids play basketball: his favorite sport.  This generosity inspired the idea to begin a memorial scholarship fund in his name.  Please consider donating to help us continue to share Cayson's light with others.

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED BY THE FUND:

• In 2024, 9 scholarships totaling $9,250 were awarded to Colorado youth and college-bound basketball players.  
• In 2025, 9 scholarships totaling over $14,000 were awarded to Colorado youth and college-bound basketball players.
• It is projected in 2026 that 9 scholarships totaling over $23,000 will be awarded.

Sports were a huge part of Cayson's life, and basketball was one of his true loves.  Cayson would be proud to help kids keep grinding on the court.  Donations will go to youth pursuing their basketball dreams.  From youth leagues, to club teams, to college pursuits, we will identify and assist several hoopers and help them keep getting buckets - just like Cays.  Click here to Donate to the Fund.

We will be having the 3rd Annual Cayson Pearson Scholarship Fund Memorial Event on Saturday, April 4, 2026 (Cayson's birthday weekend):

• In Cayson's honor
• to celebrate his birthday
• to award the scholarships
• to raise funds for future scholarships
• and to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention

The Event will be a Fun Run / Walk & Knockout Basketball Tournament!  Merchandise with the "you are enough" heartbeat logo - the digital image of Cayson's last heartbeat - will be available at the event.

(click here to see the 2024 and 2025 scholarship recipients)

9 BALLERS from Colorado will receive the scholarship(s).  We are looking for applicants who exemplify kindness, are of good character, are great teammates, and strive to succeed in school and in life.  We are offering Youth Scholarships to players in 5th through 11th grade, and Scholarships to graduating seniors who are College-bound. 

1. NEW 2026!!! ONE College-Bound Scholarship of $10,000 will be awarded to a college-bound high school senior, who is a varsity basketball player from Colorado, who will be attending college in the fall of 2026. See below to apply.  ***in prior years, this scholarship was awarded to a future college BASKETBALL player; we have removed this requirement from 2026.  Beginning in 2026, we require the applicant to be a current basketball player, who is going to college in 2026 (not necessarily PLAYING basketball in college).
2. TWO College-Bound Scholarships of $5,000 each will be awarded to two college-bound high school seniors, who are varsity basketball players from Colorado, who will be attending college in the fall of 2026. See below to apply.  Same as #1 above, we require the applicants to be current varsity basketball players, who are going to college in 2026 (not necessarily PLAYING basketball in college).  ***one of these is earmarked and designated for a Green Mountain High School player (Cayson played his varsity basketball at Green Mountain High School).  See below to apply.
3. SIX Youth Scholarships of $500 each will be awarded to six youth, grades 5 to 11, to help them with the club fees for their spring / summer basketball club season. See below to apply.

To apply for the Cayson Pearson Memorial Scholarship:

(All applicants should attend the Event on April 4, 2026 - scholarships will be awarded at the Event)

STEP 1:  Review the information below to have all necessary information and requirements.

STEP 2:  Complete and submit the application found at the link below before the application due date.

YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP(S) - SIX $500.00 RECIPIENTS

(currently in grades 5-11):

• DUE DATE: application(s) due March 31, 2026
• AWARDED DATE: 6 scholarships of $500.00 each will be awarded April 4, 2026
• ABOUT THE HOOPER: (written by player or parent/trusted adult) Prepare a statement, 1-2 paragraphs, "About the Hooper," demonstrating the applicant's qualifications: how do you embody kindness, good character, in what ways are you a good teammate, and what are examples that show how you strive to succeed in school and in life?  Include your GPA (Grade Point Average), list any community service, and/or wholesome activities you participate in.  You will be asked to upload, or copy/paste the "About the Hooper" statement when you complete the application at the link below.
• LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FROM COACH:  Ask your favorite Coach to write a Letter of Recommendation that will include their thoughts on your qualifications for receiving the scholarship: kindness, character, good teammate, strive to succeed in school and in life, etc.  Your Coach will need to share their contact information. You will be asked to upload the "Letter of Recommendation from Coach" when you complete the application at the link below. 
• MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: Be prepared to share the contact person's information for whom we will make the check payable and address to mail the funds.  It is required that the funds will be paid to the CLUB: the spring / summer club for whom the player is playing in spring and summer of 2026.   You will be asked to complete this information when you complete the application at the link below.
• LINK TO APPLICATION: Complete the YOUTH application.

COLLEGE BOUND SCHOLARSHIP(S) - ONE $10,000 RECIPIENT, and TWO $5,000 RECIPIENTS

(high school seniors):

• DUE DATE:  application(s) due March 31, 2026
• AWARDED DATE:  1 scholarship of $10,000, and 2 for $5,000 will be awarded April 4, 2026, at the EVENT (Cayson Pearson Memorial Scholarship Fund Event - April 4).
• PERSONAL STATEMENT: (video submission) applicant will be required to prepare and upload a 90-second to 2-minute video, "About the Player," describing the applicant's qualifications for the scholarship: how do you embody kindness, good character, in what ways are you a good teammate, and what are examples that show how you strive to succeed in school and in life?  Include your GPA (Grade Point Average), list any community service, and/or wholesome activities you participate in. Additionally, share the unique qualities, experiences, or achievements you believe make you a deserving candidate for this scholarship.  You will be asked to upload, or copy/paste the "About the Hooper" statement when you complete the application at the link below.
• LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FROM COACH:  Ask your favorite Coach - school or club coach (or both is acceptable) to write a Letter of Recommendation that will include their thoughts on your qualifications for receiving the scholarship: kindness, character, good teammate, strive to succeed in school and in life, etc.  Your Coach will need to share their contact information. You will be asked to upload the "Letter of Recommendation from Coach" when you complete the application at the link below. Additional letters of recommendation are not required, but are acceptable from your athletic director, club director, church leader, leaders or coaches of other sports or activities.
• LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FROM TEACHER:  Ask your favorite Teacher to write a Letter of Recommendation that will include their thoughts on your qualifications for receiving the scholarship: kindness, character, good teammate, strive to succeed in school and in life, etc.  Your Teacher will need to share their contact information. You will be asked to upload the "Letter of Recommendation from Teacher" when you complete the application at the link below.
• LETTER OF INTENT:  If applicable, we will ask you to upload your Official Letter of Intent, or equivalent, to play college basketball when you complete the application at the link below.
• MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: Be prepared to share the contact person's information for whom we will make the check payable and address to mail the funds.  It is required that the funds will be paid to the College / University / Institution to where the applicant will be attending college in the fall and winter of 2026-2027.   You will be asked to complete this information when you complete the application at the link below.
• LINK TO APPLICATION: Complete the COLLEGE-BOUND application.