University of Toronto announces Fred VanVleet Scholarship for Black and Indigenous students
![VanVleet Toronto Raptors’ Fred VanVleet speaks to media during a press conference at Scotiabank Arena during the team's media day in Toronto, Monday, Sept. 27, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2021/12/13/vanvleet-1-5705227-1639414021358.jpg)
Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet is looking to give a Black or Indigenous University of Toronto student an assist with a new scholarship.
The team announced the “Fred VanVleet Scholarship” on Monday, saying the grant would be awarded to eligible students within the school’s Rotman Commerce business program.
Those studying management are the preferred candidates and selected students will receive four years of tuition and books, based on financial need.
“Academia hasn’t traditionally been an inclusive place for many of us, and so it’s important to make space specifically for people who want to learn, but who are facing barriers that others do not,” VanVleet said in a news release. “This is to create possibility and light for those who have faced bias, who haven’t had the same chances as others. It’s important to provide opportunities to those who opportunity usually ignores, or works against, or excludes.”
VanVleet, who went undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft, has become a key fixture for the Raptors in years past. He helped the team reach its first-ever NBA championship in 2019 and scored a franchise-record 54 points last season – the most ever by an undrafted player in NBA history.
The NBA champion also hosts his own podcast, “Bet on Yourself,” which is aimed at BIPOC [Black, Indigenous and people of colour] businesspeople, and owns a clothing line of the same name.
“Success looks like whatever you want it to look like, and that may change over the course of your career – both academic and professional,” VanVleet said. “No one expects an 18-year-old kid to know exactly what path they’ll take. But this scholarship will allow that 18-year-old kid to take on experiences and information that will give them the power to shape their own future and decide their own destiny.”
Whoever is awarded the scholarship will also receive regular, one-on-one mentoring with VanVleet himself.
Raptors President Masai Ujiri applauded the announcement of the scholarship, saying that VanVleet sets an example on and off the court.
“I 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,” Ujiri said.
Alex Edwards, director of the Rotman Commerce program, said he was grateful for VanVleet’s leadership and thanked him for his generous investment in the school.
“Scholarships not only provide crucial financial support, they also inspire students to challenge themselves and pursue big dreams – within the Rotman Commerce program and beyond,” Edwards said.
Those interested in applying for the scholarship can do so here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6954857.1720387155!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Alice Munro's daughter says mom kept silent when stepfather sexually abused her
The youngest daughter of celebrated Canadian author Alice Munro has opened up about sexual abuse by her stepfather and the deep hurt she felt when her mother chose to support her husband instead of her child.
France election: Leftists win more seats over far right, but leaves hung parliament
A coalition of the French left won the most seats in high-stakes legislative elections Sunday, beating back a far-right surge but failing to win a majority.
Bus crashes into electrical pylon, causing massive power outage on the South Shore
Tens of thousands of households on Montreal's South Shore have been without electricity since Saturday night after a bus crashed into an electrical pylon.
Ottawa councillor, residents condemn arrival of 'hateful' group Diagolon 'Terror Tour'
A community group and an Ottawa city councillor have come forward to condemn the arrival of the far-right group Diagolon after it brought its 'Road Rage Terror Tour' to Ottawa over the weekend.
Planning a last-minute summer vacation? Here's how to save money
Summer is already in full swing, but there is still time to plan a vacation — and even save some money, while you're at it.
'Meltdown': A week later, WestJet continues to feel the fallout from mechanics strike
One week after it ended, WestJet continues to feel the effects of a mechanics strike that nearly shut down the airline's network for 29 hours.
ANALYSIS Why are Trudeau and Singh avoiding Stampede this year?
This year, only Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will be saddling up for the event, while both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh will stay away.
As Biden continues campaigning, some House Democrat leaders say he should step aside
Some leading congressional Democrats privately suggested it was time for U.S. President Joe Biden to abandon his reelection bid.
Woman dies at Rolling Stones concert in Vancouver
A woman attending the Rolling Stones concert at BC Place died Friday night, police confirmed.