At Puddletown Chess, we believe chess should be for everyone—no matter where you come from, what your background is, or how much experience you have. That’s why we’ve set up several scholarships to help players who might not otherwise have access to training, tournaments, or a chess community. We want to make sure every kid who loves chess has the chance to play, improve, and compete.
Pawn to Victory Chess Fund
This is for players who are just starting their chess journey and need extra support. The goal of the Pawn to Victory Chess Fund is to help new players stick with the game, learn from their mistakes, and develop the confidence to keep going, even when things get tough.
We also use this fund to help chess clubs and teams in rural areas, where resources are often limited. If a school wants to start a chess club but doesn’t have the funds for it, this scholarship can help. It also covers travel costs for students who want to participate in tournaments in the Portland area but might not have the means to get there.
Scholarship for Excellence in Girls’ Chess
Chess is for everyone, but we’ve noticed that girls are often underrepresented in tournaments and clubs. The Scholarship for Excellence in Girls’ Chess is designed to change that by giving girls more opportunities to play, compete, and improve. Chess teaches confidence, problem-solving, and critical thinking, and we want to make sure girls feel just as encouraged as boys to take part in the game.
Knight’s Honor Fellowship
This one is for the top scholastic players in Oregon and for high school students who actively volunteer in the chess community. We know how much time and effort it takes to excel in chess, and we also recognize the importance of giving back. The Knight’s Honor Fellowship is our way of supporting those who not only play at a high level but also help grow the game by mentoring younger players, organizing events, and being leaders in the chess world.
Training Program Scholarships
We also offer specific training scholarships for players who need extra financial help. Right now, we provide six scholarships per term for girls and non-binary players in our Level 2 training program. This is a beginner-friendly training program that includes lessons, homework feedback, and structured learning to help build a solid chess foundation. The only requirement? You have to commit to playing on your school chess team and participating in tournaments.
We also offer six scholarships per term for low-income students who are serious about improving their chess skills. If you’re willing to work hard, play in tournaments, and put in your best effort, we want to support your journey.
School Chess Club Fund
Chess clubs are the first step for many players, and we want to make sure every school has the resources to run a great program. Our School Chess Club Fund provides financial support to school chess clubs, helping them grow and reach more students.
Chess isn’t just about winning games—it builds problem-solving skills, concentration, and sportsmanship. By supporting school clubs, we hope to introduce more kids to the game and create strong chess communities in schools.
How to Apply
If you or someone you know could benefit from one of these scholarships, don’t wait! We review applications on a rolling basis, and spots fill up quickly.
To apply, visit our Scholarships Page and submit your application. We want to help as many players as possible, so if you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Chess has given us so much—friendships, life lessons, and countless hours of fun. We’re excited to use these scholarships to give back and help more players experience the game we love!
