Diversity, Leadership & Training Awards

Diversity awards

Supported by ACSM and the ACSM Foundation, these diversity, leadership, and training awards demonstrate the organizational commitment to building and recognizing the next generation of leaders in exercise science and sports medicine.

Diversity, Leadership & Training award applicants must be an ACSM member in good standing for all awards with the exception of the Howard G. "Skip" Knuttgen International Scholar Award, which does not require ACSM membership to apply.

Members must sign in with ACSM ID to access all other applications.

Drinkwater Leadership Award in Women's Health, Sport & Physical Activity

Applications Open: Feb. 24, 2025
Applications Close: March 28, 2025
The Drinkwater Leadership Award in Women’s Health, Sport & Physical Activity celebrates mid-career women who demonstrate exceptional leadership in the area of women’s health, sport and physical activity — to include research focused on women, clinical care of women or other work focused primarily on women.

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George A. Brooks, Ph.D., FACSM, Student Scholarship

Established in honor of George Brooks, Ph.D., FACSM, a passionate advocate for student success, this scholarship will be awarded to the three winners of the ACSM Student Bowl held during ACSM Annual Meeting. Dr. Brooks was a familiar face and a long-time judge at the annual Student Bowl competition.
GSSI Diversity in Sports Science Award - Master's

Amount: $4000
Number of Awards Given: 2/year
The Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) and ACSM are committed to supporting diversity in sports science and nutrition. This award encourages research in exercise physiology, sports science, sports nutrition, and/or exercise psychology by underrepresented graduate students. In addition to research funding, to help promote professional development, award winners will receive one year of 1:1 mentorship from a GSSI scientist. Award winners will also receive complementary registration to ACSM’s Annual Meeting and tickets to the ACSM Honors reception.
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GSSI Diversity in Sports Science Award – Ph.D.

Amount: $6000
Number of Awards Given: 2/year
The Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) and ACSM are committed to supporting diversity in sports science and nutrition. This award encourages research in exercise physiology, sports science, sports nutrition, and/or exercise psychology by underrepresented graduate students. In addition to research funding, to help promote professional development, award winners will receive one year of 1:1 mentorship from a GSSI scientist. Award winners will also receive complementary registration to ACSM’s Annual Meeting and tickets to the ACSM Honors reception.
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GSSI-ACSM Young Scholar Professional Development Grant

Applications Open: Feb. 24, 2025
Applications Close: March 28, 2025
GSSI-ACSM Young Scholar Professional Development Grant supports attendance at the ACSM Annual Meeting and additional professional development for students in the fields of sports nutrition or exercise physiology.

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Howard G. "Skip" Knuttgen International Scholar Award

Applications Open: Feb. 24, 2025
Applications Close: March 28, 2025
In Honor of Remarkable Leadership and Contributions to ACSM and the International Community of Sports Medicine and Exercise Science – An Extended Recognition Commencing in 2020 until 2025.
Howard G. “Skip” Knuttgen International Scholar Award encourages creative approaches to promote the acquisition of technical expertise and/or scientific knowledge by professionals through an international exchange. Award recipients from the United States and Canada are required to travel to an institution outside of the United States or Canada. Award recipients from countries other than Canada and the United States are required to travel to an institution in the United States or Canada. It is the responsibility of every applicant to choose a host scientist who is a member of ACSM.

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Leadership & Diversity Training Program (LDTP)

ACSM is committed to diversity, and values and seeks diverse and inclusive participation within the fields of exercise science and sports medicine. The College promotes expanded diversity in membership, involvement and access to leadership. Diversity within ACSM creates a working and learning atmosphere that encourages varied perspectives and an open exchange of ideas. ACSM will review programming annually to best determine how to maintain diversity initiatives.

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Visiting Scholar Award

Applications Open: Feb. 24, 2025
Applications Close: March 28, 2025
The Visiting Scholar Award provides support to investigators who need further experience as independent researchers to visit a clinic or laboratory of their choice to learn new and current techniques in exercise and sports medicine. Travel, financial support and laboratory supplies will be provided to the recipient for a period of up to six months up to a maximum of $5,000.

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