The Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Program began in 2014 with one goal: to use education and mentorship to create an equal playing field for underserved youth. Since its launch, the Wings Program has partnered with 30 global organizations to fund 1,800 full-ride, college scholarships to high-achieving students in North America and Greater China. Today, Jordan Brand adds 32 scholarship recipients from the Class of 2024 to its family.
“We believe the ball should bounce the same for everyone,” said Craig Williams, President of Jordan Brand. “By reducing barriers like cost of tuition, we can enable students to pursue their education without added distractions. But we also know the power of a good team. To this end, we provide each student with a host of resources throughout their collegiate studies including one-on-one mentorship and internship sourcing. Together, we will help the next generation fly.”
This year’s selected cohort – which includes students from New York City, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and Portland – has increased by five, as the Class of 2023’s only included 27 recipients. Nevertheless, the 32 incoming first-year students join a family committed to continue being leaders in its communities, as well as champions of excellence through education – just as Michael Jordan and his parents.
Congratulations to the Wings Scholars Program Class of 2024! Continue ahead to read some of the recipients’ thoughts on being selected for Jordan Brand’s scholarship and an announcement video including Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, both part of the Jordan Brand family.
Vanessa Andalon: This feels like something that only happens in movies. It’s amazing that Jordan Brand is funding a full-ride to kids that maybe have struggled so much to get far in a society that may not allow them to.
Nicholas Popolo: This award will open so many opportunities for me to continue my academic career and amount to my greatest potential as a student and individual. I know that this award can help me get to a place where I can change the lives of others, just as the Jordan Wings Program has changed mine.
Kashief Scott: The legacy I want to leave behind is to give an opportunity just like the Jordan Brand has given to me.
Daquaun Starks: In the moment that I heard I was a scholar, it felt like such a boulder was lifted off my shoulder. It was just sudden happiness. It would mean everything to me to pay it forward one day.