The pinnacle of VBKA's support for academics is the College Scholarship Program. 

Students who earn their Black Belts with VBKA and are going to college receive college scholarships.  First degree black belts receive $1,000.00; second degree black belts receive $2,000.00; and third degree black belts receive $3,000.00.

This year VBKA gave $14,000.00 to seven graduating seniors.

Over the last eight years, VBKA has awarded graduating black belt seniors nearly $85,000.00 in college scholarships.

At VBKA we value education and encourage, support, and reward it in many ways!

The Vero Beach  Karate Association's 2008 Scholarship Recipients

Front:Kevin Morgan, Michael Kiernan, Shaun Dibble, Eric Liebl,
Bill Willis, Head Instructor, Lacy Thomas, Angelica Gabor, Amy Littlefield

What Receiving My Black Belt Has Meant To Me
by Michael Kiernan

Martial Arts training has been the greatest thing that has happened to me.  When I started training I was six years old, and I was unaware of how this sport and this karate school was going to change my life. Throughout my training at VBKA, I have met people that have not only been friends, but also family.  These people have had a huge impact on my life.  When I recieved my Black Belt it was the greatest achievement I could ever receive.  It not only changed my training spirit, but it also changed the way I live my life.

Academic Achievers Program

All students must turn in their report cards to us.  Those who get A-B grades are honored twice each year at major functions with 300 to 500 people in attendance.  They receive Academic Achievers patches for their karate uniforms.  The event is very good for young people because they grasp the importance of applying themselves and are rewarded and recognized in a special way.

Student Excellence Award

Every quarter we carry this theme of excellence a little further by awarding two outstanding students with our most prestigious award, the Michael Tiedemann Memorial Award for Student Excellence.

This award is based on excellence in academics, as well as participation in clubs, arts and science, music, religious activities, community service, and other sports.

The premiss is that real success in life involves being active in many worthwhile activities and like our Academic Achievers Award, this award is presented at our major functions in front of many people.  The students are presented with $100.00 U.S. Savings Bonds and their names are engraved on permanent plaques at our Main School.

Sammi Howard and Ryan Nelson received this award in May of 2008. The Vero Beach Karate Association has given over $20,000.00 in U.S. Savings Bonds to worthy students.