Derrick Rose is doing his part to help the next generation achieve a college education. The former NBA MVP announced the launch of his education initiative, The Rose Scholars on Wednesday (Aug, 1) and said the program is his way of being in service to others.
“I feel that I have a personal responsibility to help you be better, achieve more and dream bigger. So, thank you,” the 29-year-old said in a statement.
According to his website, The Rose Scholars will award one high school student $200,000 and pay out $25,000 once a semester for four years. Two other students will receive a one-time payment of $20,000 towards their education.
I'm excited to share the launch of The Rose Scholars program, a scholarship program which seeks to give high school students the opportunity they need to make their dreams a reality.
To apply, check out https://t.co/h1nnPR04TW#RoseScholars2018
— Derrick Rose (@drose) August 1, 2018
“I know we can all identify a moment where our lives changed (when) a new path opened up to us that was not previously available,” Rose wrote on his website. “This new path allowed us to make different decisions and start to imagine new possibilities. This is exactly what the Rose Scholars program is meant to achieve in each and every one of you that applies.
Rose’s new scholarship comes days after the opening of Lebron James’ I Promise School for at-risk students in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Whether or not Rose was inspired by James to start his own program wasn’t made clear, however, we’re hoping these acts of kindness continues.
READ MORE: Derrick Rose Suffers Another Season Ending Knee Injury