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THE LIZ THOMAS INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Invest in Your People. Build Your Future Workforce.

Eligible employees of Lionel University Industry Partners may receive up to 50% of tuition for qualifying programs.

Industry Partner Benefit

A Powerful Benefit for Your People

Give your employees an opportunity to advance their education, strengthen their skills, and build their careers through Lionel University.

Exclusive Scholarship Funding

Exclusive Scholarship Funding for Industry Partners

The Liz Thomas Industry Scholarship Fund is available to eligible employees of participating Lionel University Industry Partners, helping make education more accessible for the people who are helping move your organization forward.

01

Your employees bring the ambition.

02

You provide the opportunity.

03

Lionel University helps make the education possible.

Employee Education Benefit

From Job to Career

EMPLOYMENT EDUCATION CREDENTIAL CAREER GROWTH LEADERSHIP

A job can be the beginning of something much bigger.

By connecting your employees with Lionel University education, you can help create a pathway that allows emerging talent to see what's possible next.

Career Pathways

From Job to Career

EMPLOYMENT EDUCATION CREDENTIAL CAREER GROWTH LEADERSHIP

A job can be the beginning of something much bigger.

By connecting your employees with Lionel University education, you can help create a pathway that allows emerging talent to see what's possible next.

Industry Partnership

TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE.

For your employees. For your organization. For our industry.

The Liz Thomas Industry Scholarship Fund

Inspiring Education. Empowering People. Strengthening Our Industry.

Liz Thomas Legacy Scholarship

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Liz Thomas Legacy Scholarship? +
The Liz Thomas Legacy Scholarship was established to honor the life, values, and lasting impact of Liz Thomas. Over the next five years, the scholarship will invest $1 million in students who demonstrate a commitment to helping others through health, fitness, wellness, education, and service.
Who was Liz Thomas? +

Liz Thomas was a fitness professional, educator, mentor, and advocate for personal growth. She dedicated her life to helping others improve themselves, overcome challenges, and pursue their goals.

Those who knew Liz remember her for her compassion, encouragement, generosity, and genuine desire to help others succeed.

Why was this scholarship created? +

This scholarship was created to celebrate Liz's legacy and continue the work she was passionate about throughout her life.

Rather than focusing on loss, the scholarship focuses on impact—supporting future leaders who share Liz's commitment to helping others live healthier, stronger, and more fulfilling lives.

Who is eligible to apply? +

Eligibility requirements will be announced as applications open.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to serving others and making a positive impact in their communities.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a GED or High School Diploma, and be a U.S. resident.

How do I apply? +

1. Ensure your eligibility

Before you apply for the scholarship, please make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements detailed in the scholarship criteria and eligibility requirements.

2. Complete your scholarship application

Fully review the scholarship details and eligibility requirements. If you believe that you are eligible, complete the scholarship application .

What qualities are scholarship reviewers looking for? +

The scholarship seeks individuals who embody the values that defined Liz's life, including:

  • Compassion
  • Service
  • Leadership
  • Resilience
  • Integrity
  • Personal growth
  • Commitment to helping others succeed

Academic achievement is important, but character, purpose, and impact will also play a significant role in the selection process.

How much financial assistance is available? +

The Liz Thomas Legacy Scholarship Fund will award a total of $1 million in scholarship funding over five years.

Individual award amounts and annual distributions will be announced during each application cycle.

How are recipients selected? +

Recipients will be selected through a review process that considers academic achievement, personal character, leadership, community involvement, career aspirations, and commitment to serving others.

The goal is to identify students who reflect the same spirit of encouragement, service, and positive impact that Liz demonstrated throughout her life.

What is the selection process? +
  1. The recipients of the scholarships will be selected by a committee at Lionel University.
  2. It is the applicant's responsibility to submit a complete and signed application, with any required and supporting documentation, which must be received on or before the deadline.
  3. Scholarship selection shall be made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
  4. The decision of Lionel University is final and not subject to review.
Why does the scholarship focus on health, fitness, and exercise science? +

Helping people improve their lives through health and fitness was one of Liz's greatest passions.

Throughout her career, she worked closely with students, clients, and colleagues to help them become stronger, healthier, and more confident.

This scholarship honors that passion by supporting students who want to make a similar difference in the lives of others.

How can I share a story or memory about Liz? +

We welcome stories, photos, and memories from family members, friends, colleagues, students, and community members.

These shared experiences help preserve Liz's legacy and inspire future scholarship recipients.

Please connect with our Chief Marketing Officer, Matthew Habecker, at mhabecker@lionel.edu .

Scholarship Terms and Conditions +

By applying for a Lionel University scholarship and/or accepting the scholarship award, the applicant and/or recipient agree to the following terms and conditions. Failure to abide by any of the following terms and conditions shall result in either disqualification of the scholarship award or termination of the scholarship award.

  1. All application submissions shall become the property of Lionel University, regardless of whether the applicant is awarded the scholarship. The applicant agrees to execute a Lionel University Consent and Release Form.
  2. The scholarship award is a non-cash award to the recipient's Lionel University account, as outlined on the scholarship application. Scholarship funds will not be applied to previous classes or currently enrolled classes at the time of the award.
  3. This Scholarship may not be combined with any other Lionel University scholarship, offer, memorandum of understanding, or tuition scholarship(s).
  4. Recipients remain responsible for the repayment of all Federal Direct Loans borrowed for their program.
  5. The Scholarship is only applicable to applicants and programs that meet the Eligibility Criteria specified in the scholarship application.
  6. The Scholarship may automatically terminate if the recipient no longer meets eligibility, attendance, academic, or program requirements.
  7. If the recipient receives Title IV financial aid funding, the scholarship may reduce eligibility for such funding in compliance with Title IV regulations.
  8. The scholarship cannot be refunded if a recipient drops, receives a W-grade, or otherwise fails to complete a course for which scholarship funds have been applied.
  9. Recipients must abide by the Lionel University Academic Catalog, including the Student Code of Conduct.
  10. Lionel University reserves the right to make changes or modifications to the scholarship, including criteria, selection process, deadline dates, and terms and conditions, at its sole discretion.

Lionel Students Are:

Fitness Sales Advisor (1)

Working While Learning

  • 86% of students are employed while enrolled, with a majority working 30+ hours per week

  • Most students are balancing full-time work, family, and school — a powerful testament to Lionel’s flexible, stackable program design

  • Despite demanding schedules, student satisfaction remains high

Copy of Student 3

Consistently Engaged, Fully Invested

  • 80%+ of students log in 3–6 days per week, showing strong commitment and consistent engagement

  • 90%+ plan to continue to the next term, demonstrating exceptional retention and satisfaction

  • New graduate and certificate programs are earn high marks building confidence and sustained growth
Student 2 (1)

Satisfied — and Ready for What’s Next

  • 98% of students said they are satisfied with their studies at Lionel

  • 94–95% would recommend their course to a friend

  • 90%+ achieved the learning goals they set at the beginning of the course

Student 3

Mentored by Industry Leaders

  • Instructors scored 4.6–4.8 out of 5 on average across all categories

  • Top-rated traits: respect for students, prompt grading, and helpful feedback

  • Nearly every student felt valued and supported by their instructors

Transform Your Skills.
Expand Your Opportunities.
Shape Your Career.

Stackable education built for real-world success. Discover the certifications and stackable pathways that help fitness professionals grow their skills, expand their impact, and advance toward long-term education and career goals. 

CPT THUMBNAIL (1.802 x 2.375 in) (1)

Certified Personal Trainer

Begin with CPT to build foundational coaching and exercise science skills. This pathway serves as the launch point into strength training, performance, and entry-level degree credit.

Science of Nutrition

Foundations of Nutrition Science

Start with core nutrition education that prepares you for advanced nutrition specialist programs and degree-level coursework in health promotion and wellness.

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Corrective Exercise Specialist

Build the ability to assess movement patterns and design programs that improve function and reduce risk. This pathway supports roles in recovery-focused coaching and connects to clinical exercise science study.

Thumbmail FITNESS SALES SPECIALIST - BILLBOARD (279 x 173 px) (2-906 x 1-802 in) (1-802 x 2-906 in)

Fitness Sales
Specialist

Develop communication, leadership, and business skills essential for guiding gym operations and client engagement. This pathway prepares you for supervisory roles and aligns with fitness management degree tracks.

Facility Management

Facility Management Specialist

Learn core operations, safety, and service principles needed to manage modern fitness environments. This pathway supports leadership advancement and aligns with managerial degree pathways.

Behavior Based Coaching

Behavior-Based Coaching Specialist

Build communication and behavior-change techniques that help clients create sustainable, long-term progress. This pathway complements coaching roles and connects to leadership or psychology coursework.

Blood & Bio Spec-1

Blood & Biomarker Specialist

Learn to interpret key biomarkers that influence training, recovery, and long-term wellness goals. This pathway supports advanced work in performance optimization and future study in human physiology.

Linkedin (1.802 x 2.375 in)

LinkedIn Networking
Specialist

Enhance your professional presence and networking strategy to attract clients and career opportunities. This pathway supports job placement readiness and aligns with degree-level professional development tracks.

Launch Yourself (1.802 x 2.375 in)

Influencer Marketing: Launch You

Learn to create content, grow audiences, and build authentic partnerships in the wellness space. This pathway expands digital career opportunities and pairs well with coaching and nutrition programs.

Entrepreneur Tool Kit

Entrepreneurship
Toolkit

Develop essential business skills to launch, market, and operate a fitness or wellness brand. This pathway supports independent professionals and integrates with business or leadership-focused coursework.