BTTB High School National Award
Supporting High School Powerlifters on the National Stage
Competing at the national level is an incredible opportunity for high school powerlifters, but the financial burden of travel, lodging, registration fees, and other expenses can make that opportunity difficult for some athletes.
Better Through The Barbell (BTTB) believes that financial limitations should not prevent dedicated young athletes from pursuing their goals.
Through the BTTB High School National Award, we provide financial assistance to help high school powerlifters offset the costs associated with competing at national-level competitions.
For 2027, BTTB plans to award 10 high school powerlifters $250 each, totaling $2,500 in financial assistance.
This opportunity is open to eligible high school powerlifters nationwide. Athletes do not need to be members of BTTB to apply.
Our goal is simple: help more young athletes experience the excitement, challenges, and opportunities that come with competing on the national stage.
A Strong Community Supports Each Other.
2027 Award Funding
Our fundraising goal for the 2027 High School National Award is $2,500, which will provide 10 awards of $250 each.
If fundraising exceeds our goal, 75% of the additional funds will be distributed equally among the 10 award recipients, increasing the amount each athlete receives.
The remaining 25% of additional funds will be reserved to help establish the 2028 High School National Award.
Every dollar raised helps us invest in the next generation of competitive powerlifters.
$1,004 of $2,500 Raised!
How Can YOU Help?
Donate
Your contribution helps high school powerlifters pursue their goals of competing on the national stage.
Every donation directly supports the BTTB High School National Award, helping reduce the financial burden on deserving young athletes.
Every dollar counts. Every contribution creates opportunity.
Shop With a Purpose
Support the High School National Award while representing Better Through The Barbell!
Visit our online store or stop by our booth at an upcoming event to shop apparel, shaker bottles, and more.
10% of all sales support the BTTB High School National Award.
Your purchase helps create opportunities for the next generation of powerlifters.
Who is Eligible for the Award?
The BTTB High School National Award is open to eligible high school powerlifters nationwide, regardless of their state of residence or affiliation with Better Through The Barbell.
To qualify, applicants must meet the following three requirements:
1. High School Enrollment
Applicants must be current high school students in grades 9–12, including homeschool students.
2. National Competition Participation
Applicants must compete in one of the following eligible high school national powerlifting competitions in 2027:
USA Powerlifting High School Nationals — March 19–21
Powerlifting America High School & Collegiate Nationals — April 15–19
USPC High School Nationals — February 27
NASA High School Nationals — April 10–11
3. Completed Award Application
Applicants must complete and submit the BTTB High School National Award application during the application period.
Application Period: November 27, 2026 – January 17, 2027
Meeting the eligibility requirements allows an athlete to apply but does not guarantee an award.
What's Required on the Application?
The BTTB High School National Award application consists of three sections designed to help us learn more about each athlete, their powerlifting experience, and their goals.
1. Athlete Information
Applicants will provide basic information, including their name, age, grade level, current high school, gender, and contact information.
2. Powerlifting Information
Applicants will provide information about the national competition they plan to attend, their powerlifting history, current competition totals, and future goals.
This section will also include details about their training experience and the anticipated expenses associated with competing at Nationals.
3. Award Questions
Applicants will answer several open-ended questions about their passion for powerlifting, personal goals, future plans in the sport, involvement in the strength community, and ways they contribute to or give back to powerlifting.
These responses help BTTB better understand each athlete beyond their performance on the platform.
Application Access
Applications for the 2027 BTTB High School National Award will open on Friday, November 27, 2026, and close on Sunday, January 17, 2027.
The application link will be available below once the application period begins.
All applications must be completed and submitted by the deadline to be considered for an award.
Want to be notified when applications open? Subscribe to our High School National Award email list at the bottom of this page.
How Are Award Recipients Selected?
BTTB will review all eligible applications and select 10 high school powerlifters to receive the 2027 High School National Award.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Passion for Powerlifting: The athlete's dedication to the sport, personal goals, and commitment to continued growth.
Application Quality: The completeness, thoughtfulness, and detail provided in the application responses.
Financial Considerations: The anticipated costs of attending Nationals and the financial assistance needed to participate.
Community Involvement: The athlete's contributions to their team, fellow lifters, and the broader strength community.
Our selection process considers more than lifting totals. We want to recognize athletes who demonstrate dedication, character, and a genuine passion for powerlifting.
How Will Award Recipients Be Notified?
Finalists and selected award recipients will be contacted using the information provided in their applications.
Before distributing an award, BTTB reserves the right to verify the recipient's high school enrollment status and confirm their registration or participation in an eligible national powerlifting competition.
Our goal is to distribute awards before each recipient's national competition to help offset expenses associated with attending the event.
However, BTTB reserves the right to delay payment until after the athlete has participated in their eligible national competition if additional verification is necessary.
Applicants are responsible for providing accurate contact information and responding to any verification requests from BTTB.