Collegiate Program
Expanding educational opportunities for TNBA Junior Bowlers through collegiate bowling, scholarships, academic support and partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Program Leadership
Keith R. Bridgeforth
TNBA Collegiate Program Director
Contact the Collegiate Program for scholarship information, recruiting guidance and assistance with collegiate bowling opportunities for TNBA youth bowlers.
Additional Email: bridgekr@aol.com
TNBA Office: (513) 769-1985 Ext. 246
Cell: (651) 261-9365
Mission Statement
This can be accomplished through athletic and academic scholarships, mainly with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). A relationship has been established between the TNBA Junior Program and HBCU women’s bowling programs as an avenue for young ladies to continue their bowling careers after high school.
Because HBCUs generally do not offer men’s bowling, finding opportunities for male junior bowlers can present a greater challenge. However, TNBA’s young male bowlers are not excluded from consideration as they seek to continue their bowling careers after high school.
Assistance from the Collegiate Program is not restricted to bowling. Not every student will qualify for a bowling scholarship. Assistance may also be provided to academic and athletic all-stars and to students selecting junior college or vocational school pathways.
Current Programs & Initiatives
TNBA Open
This tournament showcases premier collegiate bowling student-athletes from some of the top-ranked bowling programs throughout the United States.
Collegiate Recruiting Assistance
TNBA helps junior bowlers and their families understand college eligibility, scholarship opportunities, recruiting videos, academic preparation and communication with collegiate coaches.
Women’s Collegiate Bowling at HBCUs
The following schools are organized by athletic conference and were identified by the TNBA Collegiate Program as offering women’s collegiate bowling opportunities.
HBCU Women’s Bowling Programs
CIAA
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
- Bowie State UniversityBaltimore, Maryland
- Chowan UniversityMurfreesboro, North Carolina
- Elizabeth City State UniversityElizabeth City, North Carolina
- Fayetteville State UniversityFayetteville, North Carolina
- Johnson C. Smith UniversityCharlotte, North Carolina
- Livingstone CollegeSalisbury, North Carolina
- Shaw UniversityRaleigh, North Carolina
- Virginia State UniversityVirginia
- Virginia Union UniversityRichmond, Virginia
MEAC
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference
- Bethune-Cookman UniversityDaytona Beach, Florida
- Coppin State UniversityBaltimore, Maryland
- Delaware State UniversityDover, Delaware
- Florida A&M UniversityTallahassee, Florida
- Howard UniversityWashington, DC
- Monmouth UniversityWest Long Branch, New Jersey
- Morgan State UniversityBaltimore, Maryland
- Norfolk State UniversityNorfolk, Virginia
- North Carolina A&T State UniversityGreensboro, North Carolina
- University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham, Alabama
- University of Maryland Eastern ShorePrincess Anne, Maryland
SWAC
Southwestern Athletic Conference
- Alabama A&M UniversityNormal, Alabama
- Alabama State UniversityMontgomery, Alabama
- Grambling State UniversityGrambling, Louisiana
- Jackson State UniversityJackson, Mississippi
- Prairie View A&M UniversityPrairie View, Texas
- Southern University and A&M CollegeBaton Rouge, Louisiana
- Texas Southern UniversityHouston, Texas
- Lincoln UniversityJefferson City, Missouri
Collegiate Opportunities for Men
The following colleges and universities were identified by the TNBA Collegiate Program as offering men’s collegiate bowling. They are presented in alphabetical order for easier browsing.
Are You Ready for College Bowling?
Grade Point Average
A minimum 2.0 GPA may be required, while some schools require at least a 2.5 GPA.
ACT or SAT Scores
Students may need a qualifying ACT or SAT score. Requirements vary by institution.
High School Transcript
Most schools need a current transcript, often including the first semester of senior year.
NCAA Eligibility
A student may need clearance from the NCAA Eligibility Center before an athletic scholarship can be offered.
Scholarship Combination
Some schools may combine athletic and academic assistance based on GPA and test scores.
Strength & Conditioning
College programs may include weight training, cardiovascular exercise and structured conditioning.
Time Commitment
Student-athletes may devote as many as 20 hours each week to bowling-related activities.
Attitude & Coachability
Coaches look for bowlers who are coachable, positive, dependable and passionate about the sport.
Bowling Ability
Average expectations differ by coach and school. The TNBA page notes that some coaches may consider averages beginning around 150.
Recruiting Video
Record front, back and side views, include spare attempts, follow every shot and allow coaches to see your personality and response under pressure.
Education First. Bowling Excellence. Lifelong Opportunity.
The Collegiate Program helps TNBA youth understand that success as a student-athlete requires preparation in the classroom, commitment on the lanes and a positive attitude as a teammate.
Recent Highlights & Accomplishments
Degree Progress
Every student-athlete assisted by the Collegiate Program is progressing toward or has received a bachelor’s degree.
Continuing Success
Many participants are working toward master’s degrees, and several former collegiate bowlers have continued their bowling careers as active TNBA members.
Resources
Collegiate Program Flyer
View or download the official TNBA Collegiate Program flyer.
View FlyerThe Bowler Article
Read the Collegiate Program feature published in The Bowler.
Read ArticleTNBA/HBCU Invitational
Learn about TNBA’s collegiate tournament featuring HBCU bowling programs.
View InvitationalContact the Program Director
Request collegiate bowling, scholarship or recruiting assistance.
Send Email