Tournament of Roses Rose Court Applications Open Aug. 1, Offering Scholarships and Leadership Opportunities

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association said applications for the 2025 Rose Court will be available starting Aug. 1 on their webpage,marking the beginning of a highly anticipated selection process for the esteemed Rose Parade Royal Court positions.

The Rose Court, a longstanding Pasadena tradition, offers young women the chance to represent their community and gain valuable experience. 

Each selected member of the Royal Court will receive a $7,500 educational scholarship, according to Candy Carlson, Director of Communications for the Tournament of Roses.

“We are excited to continue the treasured legacy of the Rose Court selection process,” Carlson said. “Participants who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.”

Initial interviews for the Rose Court will take place on Sept. 7 and 9 at Tournament House. The selection criteria include public speaking ability, youth leadership, academic achievement, and community involvement.

“We’re looking for applicants who bring diverse strengths and perspectives – whether they’re natural public speakers, youth leaders, academic stars, or involved in their community and school,” Carlson said.

The chosen Rose Court members will play a significant role in the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game celebrations, which are part of the larger Pasadena Tournament of Roses events.

The Tournament of Roses is casting a wide net to form a well-rounded group of ambassadors. Carlson noted that not all skills are required from each applicant, as the selected Rose Court members will collectively represent various talents and backgrounds.

Rose Court members will serve as ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses, Pasadena, and the greater Los Angeles area. Throughout their term, they will engage in extensive community outreach and public speaking engagements.

The Rose Court tradition, which began shortly after the Tournament of Roses’ inception in 1890, has become an integral part of Pasadena’s annual New Year celebrations. It continues to offer invaluable experiences and opportunities to its members, including hands-on volunteerism, community connections, public speaking development, and increased self-confidence.

The organization encourages potential applicants to explore the benefits of joining the Rose Court on their webpage, https://tournamentofroses.com/. 

“Rose Court members enjoy countless benefits throughout the year and carry these valuable experiences with them for a lifetime,” Carlson said.