NBA All-Star Vince Carter has launched a scholarship and mentorship program at a Markham school that will be part of his efforts to “level the playing field.”
J. Addison School, a private day and boarding school for kindergarten to Grade 12 students, is the first school to participate in the program.
The $25,000-per-student scholarship primarily targets high school students who have a passion for sports, music, film, fashion, broadcasting, media, science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Scholarship recipients will attend “top caliber private schools with unique academic programs geared for aiding students to accomplishing their best self,” reports Paris Media Group, the program administrator.
The application portal is open to applicants worldwide who are aged 16 to 18 years and will be entering Grade 11 or 12 each September beginning this year. In addition to specialized academic courses, the program offers internships and work experience, including shadowing corporate board executives. Auxiliary programs for students ages 12 to 15 years include summer camps for civics and careers, sports, fashion and film, music, and leadership.
The program was launched in Toronto in tribute to the city in which Carter launched his 22-year career in 1998 and will be replicated in the seven American cites in which he also played. While the program is open to all, Carter “strongly encourages” members of the Black and Indigenous communities, people of colour and young women to apply.
“Statistics show that there are lower numbers of minorities and women within the named employment sectors, executive positions associated with the noted program fields but more noticeably in the STEM sector,” reports Paris Media Group. “Under-represented minority groups and females consistently state that the lack of experience, exposure, opportunity keeps them from gaining access to career and executive board opportunities. Providing these students with access to specialized career education and training is the program’s first step in levelling the playing field. The aim is positive change emerging from the collective commitment to transform communities.”
Applicants must demonstrate a passion in any of the mentioned academic pathways. Their academic scores, personal character, community service and a 500-word essay will be reviewed. To apply and/or learn more, visit www.parismedia.org/community/ or email [email protected]. York University, Seneca College and Ryerson University students pursuing careers in the identified scholarship program fields could benefit from summer jobs and internships. Follow Paris Media Group on Instagram to learn more about Vince Carter and Paris Media community initiatives.
Photo: Vince Carter (CNW Group/Paris Media Group)
