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Hornets Players and Organization Launch Players Scholarship Fund

January 24, 2017 – Led by the team’s players, the Charlotte Hornets organization announced today the establishment of the Hornets Players Scholarship Fund in an effort to provide underserved students a free college education. The scholarship fund will award two current Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools high school seniors with $60,000 scholarships ($15,000 per year) to pursue a bachelor’s or associate’s degree at a public North Carolina higher education institution of his or her choice. The $15,000 per year will cover such education expenses as tuition, fees, supplies, equipment and housing.

The Hornets Players Scholarship Fund will supply more than financial assistance as it will also focus on mentorship and providing the students with the ongoing support needed to make it through college. Members of the organization, including players and coaches, will connect with and assist the students with their transition to college.

“On behalf of all my teammates, I’m proud that we have established the Hornets Players Scholarship Fund in an effort to make a real difference in the lives of two young people in Charlotte,” said Hornets guard Kemba Walker. “We hope that through this scholarship fund we are able to help two deserving students attend college and ultimately pursue their career dreams. With this scholarship and our organization’s mentorship activities, we truly believe we can directly provide the tools through education that will have a life-long impact.” 

Those students interested in the scholarship should apply below. Applications are currently being accepted and the deadline for submission is Wednesday, Feb. 15. The winners will be announced in April at a Hornets game. To be eligible for the Hornets Players Scholarship Fund, students must meet the following criteria: 

  • A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools senior graduating from an accredited high school this academic year
  • Earn a minimum of a 2.5 GPA
  • Demonstrate need for financial assistance
  • Plan to enroll full-time in a bachelor’s or associate’s degree program at an accredited public North Carolina higher education institution in the fall directly after graduating high school

The scholarship was developed by the Hornets players in response to the social unrest and protests that occurred in Charlotte during the month of September. The players wanted to not only impact students’ lives, but also attempt to help improve their economic mobility. In addition to financial contributions, Hornets players will participate in various ways with the scholarship fund, including serving on the selection committee, shopping for college supplies, attending the scholarship awards banquet, communicating regularly with the students and hosting the recipients and their families at future games.