united sports foundation
JARKKO TUOMINEN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
The Jarkko Tuominen College Scholarship is a merit-based award given to graduating high school seniors who will be attending a two- or four-year college or university. Recipients will have demonstrated excellence in academics and leadership and a commitment to community service, particularly in the areas of competitive youth sports. This application is an opportunity to showcase your strengths in the areas of academics, leadership, and community service. Please keep this in mind as you are writing your required essay. Additionally, you will need to submit two reference letters from coaches or community service programs with which you have been involved.
Jarkko was a native of Finland who came to America on a soccer scholarship to attend Concordia University in Oregon. "Jarks", as he was affectionately known, went on to become a Nike Soccer employee who worked in both marketing and sales and enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Seacoast United Sports Club. He died tragically several years ago. Seacoast United Sports Club has awarded scholarships in his name to qualifying graduates each year since.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligible applicants are youth sports players in their final year of high school and enrolling in a two- or four-year college or university program this fall.
* You must be a current or past SUSC team member.
OR
*You must be a current competitive athlete in any sport, play for a town program or play for your high school team.
Additionally, applicants MUST submit two letters of recommendation from a coach or an advisor for a community service program.
APPLICATIONS
Directions:
Fill out the Jarkko Tuominen College Scholarship application form by May 10, 2024.
Upload proof of acceptance to college/university.
Upload two letters of recommendation.
While we prefer the application to be filled out electronically, it can be printed from the link above, filled out and either scanned and emailed to lesley@utdsportsfoundation.org or mailed directly to United Sports Foundation, 88 Shirking Road, Epping, NH 03042. Mailed applications postmarked after May 10, 2024 will not be considered.
ABOUT JARKKO TUOMINEN
Jarkko Tuominen passed away on September 23, 2005 by an accidental fall on a beach trip with friends. Jarkko was the soul-mate and forever love of Stephanie Jenness. He was the son of the late Jarkko Tuominen and is survived by his mother Kati Tuominen-Maki, brother Juha, sister Kaisa, step-father Mel Maki, step-brothers Erik and Shaun Maki, step-sister Liisa Maki and also countless friends, co-workers, and relatives.
Jarkko was a dual Finnish/American citizen living half of his life in Finland before moving to Oregon to attend Concordia University on a full scholarship. He graduated in 1994 with a bachelor degree in Sports Marketing and played on their soccer team all four years. He still has several records that have not been beat and was recently
inducted into the Concordia University Hall of Fame. Stephanie and Jarkko had just moved back from Rhode Island, so he could take a new position as the Pro Player/U.S. Soccer Federation Manager at Nike Headquarters in Beaverton. His last three years with Nike were as a top soccer sales rep, and he worked a total of 10 years for Nike. Jarkko was a vibrant life force who touched everyone in his path and he always had a smile on his face. He was loved immensely and will never be forgotten, because his heart will be in our hearts, forever.
Congratulations to the Jarkko Tuominen College Scholarship recipients for 2023! Lauren Roussel, Kaleb Brisson, Kate Hansen, Penelope Wenzel, Anna Lodico, Colin Grant, Zoe Wisniewski, Samantha Thebarge, Alex Burnham, Tyler Telge, Zoe Demers, Ean Malay, Jenna LaBerge, Allison Galante, Rachel Carr, Lucy Rayback, Lindsey Brown, Cody Cleaveland and Andersen Pickard.
