Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet and the University of Toronto announced Monday the launching of the “Fred VanVleet Scholarship.”
The scholarship is the latest of many community initiatives created by VanVleet that includes partnerships with DoorDash, Uninterrupted Canada, which is launching a docuseries highlighting restaurants and small business owners in Canada.
According to multiple reports, the scholarship is an award to support an incoming Black and Indigenous student based on financial need who expresses interest in management. The scholarship comes with fully paid tuition and a $1,000 stipend for books each year. The value of the four-year scholarship is more than $60,000.
VanVleet will also be involved in mentoring the scholarship recipient. Like many others, the scholarship will be renewed based on continued enrollment in the Rotman Commerce program and must stay in good academic standing.
“This scholarship is important because it’s going to shine a light on some of those who may be underserved or underprivileged in certain communities and aspects,” VanVleet said in a YouTube video announcing the scholarship.
Excited to announce the Fred VanVleet Scholarship at Rotman Commerce program at the University of Toronto.
— Fred VanVleet (@FredVanVleet) December 13, 2021
Apply today at : https://t.co/05MXTm5UnQ pic.twitter.com/A5Y8dNBmuQ
“We know there’s a selection process to a lot of scholarships and sometimes it counts people out. We’re just trying to make a concerted effort to shine a light on those who may not have gotten a proper opportunity.”
VanVleet emphasizes the importance of mentorship, and why it’s important to have “someone to guide you.” His hope is that the scholarship becomes a “catalyst” in a young person’s career and a platform to access resources to help them succeed.
“Hopefully they go on to do many bright and important things,” he added.
