How does SMART work?

SMART, or "Scholarship Management and Account Reporting for Tenpins," is a USBC-run program which manages and distributes all scholarship money earned through USBC-sanctioned events. Earnings from events, as well as brackets, are deposited into SMART for safekeeping in bowlers' accounts.

Access the Recipient page here!

I've never won SMART money before. How do I create an account?

Your USBC Community account (i.e. your bowl.com login) will work when you create an account on bowl.com/smart. This is one reason why we ask for your USBC Member Number. First-time recipients should receive an email from bowl.com/smart to create an account to manage your funds.

Each bowler will need their own account, and a parent/guardian may be able to create a separate account for themselves. Bowlers with siblings should ensure they each have their own login information.

When can scholarships be claimed?

SMART money can be claimed after high school graduation. This means SMART cannot be used for any high school expenses, including tuition, fees, supplies, etc.

Do these funds expire?

Yes, either eight years from your high school graduation if earned before graduation, or eight years from the date earned if earned after graduation. For example, if you graduated on June 1, 2020, any funds earned before then would expire on June 1, 2028, and any funds earned thereafter would expire eight years after the day earned.

Expired/unclaimed funds go back into the SMART program for redistribution to eligible youth bowlers.

What do the points mean?

Each point is equivalent to $5, and is rounded down to the nearest whole point.

For example, 50 points = $250, $24 = 4 points, and $25 = 5 points.

Where can I use SMART money?

SMART funds can be applied to any post-secondary school, including business, technical, trade, or vocational schools, provided they accept outside scholarships. Funds can also be used to pay student loans directly to the loan company. In most cases, SMART money must be sent directly to the institution.

You do not need to be a degree-seeking student to claim your SMART money. 

What if I paid my tuition already?

Check with your school's Financial Aid or Cashier's Office.

Can I buy things with my SMART money?

Yes, provided you buy supplies through your campus bookstore and the items are deemed necessary. Tech (e.g. computers, tablets, etc.) is limited to one item every two years. Tech supplies/peripherals such as keyboards, monitors, docking stations, etc., may not be deemed necessary and potentially fall outside the reimbursement policy.

What if I bowl collegiately?

Please double check with your school's Compliance Officer or Athletic Director. There may be restrictions in claiming SMART money depending on your athletics' governing body.

Anecdotally, some bowlers stay in school past their four years of athletics eligibility to claim their funds in certificate/advanced degree programs. If you are affected by your athletics organization, discuss options for claiming your SMART money with a trusted counselor or advisor.

For more FAQs, which cover topics such as transferring scholarships to family members, the Federal Pell Grant Match and SMART Awards programs, and military service, read this PDF.