The Charles B. Staats Memorial Foundation is a United States nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering high school seniors to become future leaders and active members of their communities through swim coaching. Established in memory of Charles B. Staats, known as "Coach Charlie," the foundation celebrates his passion for swimming and his impactful coaching career, which emphasized motivation, dedication, and compassion.

Mission and Purpose

The foundation’s mission is to encourage youth leadership in community swim organizations by supporting emerging young swim coaches who demonstrate qualities exemplified by Coach Charlie. It promotes the values of hard work, persistence, and continuous self-improvement, reflecting the coaching principles that Staats applied throughout his life.

Programs and Activities

The primary activity of the foundation is awarding the Charles B. Staats Memorial Scholarship annually to graduating high school seniors in the United States who are also swim coaches. This scholarship recognizes the importance of coaching in the lives of swimmers and rewards students who show focus, dedication, academic achievement, and leadership within their communities.

Scholarship recipients must have at least two years of swim coaching experience and demonstrate a commitment to serving as swim coaches even after high school graduation. The scholarship funds may be used for tuition, books, room and board, and mandatory school fees at accredited four-year colleges or universities. Awards are renewable annually for up to four years, contingent upon meeting specified academic and conduct conditions.

Legacy of Charles B. Staats

Charles B. Staats was renowned for his enthusiasm, patience, and demanding yet compassionate coaching style. Throughout his career, he fostered a love for swimming among both children and adults in his community. The foundation perpetuates his legacy by nurturing similar qualities in young coaches who will continue to influence their communities positively.

EIN: 47-4726181

Location: Sandy Springs, Georgia, U.S.

Type: Scholarship and youth leadership nonprofit focused on swim coaching

The Charles B. Staats Memorial Foundation stands as a tribute to a dedicated coach’s influence, fostering the next generation of leaders through the sport of swimming and community service.