Derrick Rose Announces $400K 'Rose Scholars' College Scholarship Program

Lebron James isn't the only basketball player that wants kids to shoot for the stars, Timberwolves point guard; Derrick Rose and former Chicago bulls player, has launched his first Scholarship program for high school sophomore, juniors, and seniors who are “Civically minded, and have an instinct to lead” called The Rose Scholars. He is awarding one grand prize winner up to $200,000; 25k a semester for 4 years and two runner ups will receive 20k paid out to their school this upcoming fall semester.

Derrick Rose was the first round draft pick for the Chicago Bulls after only a year of college basketball with the Memphis Tigers. He was quickly named rookie of the year and became the youngest player to be named NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2011. Despite a couple knee injuries Rose suffered with, he is still in the game and now plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. A couple days after Lebron James announced the opening of his school in Akron, Ohio for at risk kids, On August 1st, Rose announced his new scholarship program via Twitter. “Through The Rose Scholars program, I hope to provide students a path to college that was not previously available to them”, Rose said in a statement.

Applicants must write an essay, and demonstrate their leadership traits by posting an example on social media by September 30th, and the winner will be announced publicly on October 15th. This isn’t the first time Rose has given back in pursuit of better education. In 2014 Rose donated $1 million dollars to After School Matter a non profit organization in Chicago for after school children. By launching this Scholarship Rose hopes to help students make their dreams a reality.