Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet has partnered with the University of Toronto's Rotman Commerce business program to launch a new scholarship to support a Black or Indigenous student through their undergraduate degree.
The Fred VanVleet Scholarship will provide four years of tuition and books, based on financial need, with preference to a student focused on management.
鈥淭his is to create possibility and light for those who have faced bias, who haven鈥檛 had the same chances as others," VanVleet said in a statement issued Monday by the Raptors. "It鈥檚 important to provide opportunities to those who opportunity usually ignores, or works against, or excludes.
鈥淎cademia hasn鈥檛 traditionally been an inclusive place for many of us, and so it鈥檚 important to make space specifically for people who want to learn, but who are facing barriers that others do not.鈥�
The scholarship also includes one-on-one mentoring with VanVleet.
VanVleet is an entrepreneur off the court with his own clothing line and shop. He also hosts a podcast aimed at supporting business people who are Black, Indigenous or people of colour.
鈥淔red sets an example on and off the court, and this scholarship is further evidence of his leadership and his vision,鈥� Raptors vice-chairman and president Masai Ujiri said in the release. 鈥淚 believe the recipient of the Fred VanVleet Scholarship will benefit from not just the support in their education, but their relationship with this incredible person.鈥�
Students wanting to be considered for the award must apply to Rotman Commerce and complete an awards profile online (join.utoronto.ca).
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2021.
The Canadian Press
