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/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
BREAKING Manhunt underway for suspect after several people shot in Kentucky near Interstate 75, officials say
Several people have been shot near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Kentucky, according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s office.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris
With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.