Scholarships

BNA members can apply for a scholarship to attend Birankai North America Summer Camp. The deadline to apply for a scholarship to the 2026 summer camp is March 31 2026.

Please see the guidelines below for requirements to qualify for a scholarship.

APPLY NOW by March 31st: Scholarship Application
CHIEF INSTRUCTORS: Scholarship Letter
APPLICATION CHECKLIST



 Guidelines

  • All applicants must be 3rd kyu or above and at least 14 years old to apply for up to a Full Camp Scholarship and 5th kyu up to 1st kyu to apply for a 50% Half-Camp Scholarship.

  • All applicants must be current in payment of Birankai dues.

  • To apply for the scholarship, use the button above.

  • Every student (at least 5th kyu & age 14), or instructor up to Fukushidoin rank must be recommended by a Shidoin, Shihan, or Chief Instructor. (200-400 words, in writing, sent to a committee member before the March 31st deadline.

  • Every applicant must submit a statement of purpose summarizing your need for a scholarship. (200-400 words).

  • All recipients of a scholarship will be given tasks and/or duties at Summer Camp. At the camp, please check-in with the Camp Coordinator, Kathy Stier Sensei.

  • You are expected to attend every class throughout the Camp and if you cannot participate then you must be there to observe or work (e.g., first aid table).

  • Each applicant must confirm that the committee has all of the necessary information, including your instructor’s recommendation, to be considered by the March 31st deadline.

  • Submit a brief hand-written report at the end of Camp with a log of the classes that you attended (training or observing) with brief notes.

  • Full or partial scholarships are based on the “Early Registration” rates for camp. If you receive a scholarship, the summer camp registrar will contact you with special instructions to complete early registration by April 15th; however, this year, Birankai will cover your deposit for the University. You may still be responsible to pre-pay some fees in the event you earn a partial scholarship.

  • At the end of summer camp, you are expected to deliver your training log report to Kathy Stier Sensei or her designated representative.

  • If you are awarded a scholarship, it’s your responsibility to register for camp and confirm with the BNA Camp Coordinator, and the BNA Camp Scholarship Committee that you will be attending. If you do not register for camp, or confirm that you’re attending, your award offer will be rescinded (meaning that you will not have a room reserved at camp).

  • Contact persons to confirm that your application, instructor recommendation, and statement of purpose are received by the scholarship committee:

    Contact one of the persons named above to confirm that your application is complete before the deadline on March 31st, including that a written recommendation from your teacher (as applicable) has been received, and if you have any questions. You must receive and acknowledge a response back. If you do not hear back within three business days, then it is your responsibility to follow up by phone, email, or text message.