The list of people giving back to society has again increased as Basketball legend Vince Carter, who got his start in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors, is showing his appreciation for Canada with a new scholarship opportunity.
It would be recalled that put the Raptors on the basketball map in 1998. It would also be recalled that Carter finished his professional basketball career with the Atlanta Hawks last year, retiring after a record 22 seasons. Although he’s played for eight teams during his career, he’s never forgotten where it began.
According to reports, applications are currently open for a new scholarship created by Carter in partnership with the Paris Media Group, which will send five kids who can’t afford a private education to J. Addison School in Markham, north of Toronto.
Delineating on why Carter, who is an American decided to launch the program in Canada, Paris Dryden of Paris Media Group, told CTV News “That’s where his NBA career began”
“He loved the atmosphere of Toronto and in Canada. He thrived here.”
Reports said the scholarship is $25,000 per student, and to apply, you need to be between 16 and 18 years old and headed into Grade 11 or 12 this fall.
A release said “While the programs are open to all, Vince Carter strongly encourages the Black community, Indigenous community, 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.”
While stating that the deadline for applications is March 28, it was said that applicants must be passionate about a subject, but it could be anything from sports or music to science or math. They need to provide evidence of community service and a 500-word essay.
While students don’t need to be athletes, J. Addison does have an elite girls basketball team, with some students already there on scholarship.
“Scholarships are very important because it gives them an opportunity to get into the school, get a great education, and also get access to a good university,” Lee Venditti, principal of J. Addison School, told CTV News.
Remarking on the development, Chris Francis, who coaches the girls’ basketball team, averred that it is “life-changing” for some of the students to receive scholarships.
“A lot of these kids are coming from disadvantaged neighbourhoods. These kids need a scholarship to ascend.”
Carter said students from anywhere in the world can apply for the scholarships.
