CJ McCollum reveals scholarship program for high school students / News - Basketnews.com

CJ McCollum, the New Orleans Pelicans star, announced that he will be handing out scholarships to high school students.

Credit: Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

New Orleans Pelicans guard C.J. McCollum revealed a scholarship program that he will be funding for high school students from New Orleans.

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The initiative, called "McCollum Scholars Program," was announced on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will be allocating sources for 10 high school students.

Each student will receive $20,000 over four years, which will attempt to meet the needs of the young recipients.

The program is in collaboration with College Beyond, which is defined by Marc J. Spears as "a New Orleans-based scholarship program designed to assist high school students from underserved communities in Orleans Parish aspiring to pursue a bachelor’s degree."

McCollum, when asked about the program and the date that it was announced, had the following to say.

"It's the fate of the universe," said McCollum about the day of the announcement. "Things are kind of coming along with the right time in the partnerships and collaboration. With College Beyond, [it's] ready [for] the new year," he explained. And obviously, there’s a huge significance on Martin Luther King Day, his legacy, and what he's done to try to change the world."

Continuing, McCollum tried to ensure Spears that he was acting with humble considerations in mind.

"And I'm not saying I’m MLK or anything like that, but I'm trying to continue to make the world a better place and do things the right way and take advantage of the blessings that have been bestowed upon my family and try to do what you can when you can't help others."

The star guard then elaborated on the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. and the impact generated by the late great civil rights leader.

"King's legacy means a lot to me. Understanding the history, understanding what he went through, what he fought for in terms of freedom for all, freedom for us as a people," stated McCollum.

"And to continue [to] try to figure out ways that allow us to all be successful and be able to utilize all the resources that are around us from schools to hospitals to water fountains to cars to buses, all those things I think he fought have made a difference in our lives today," the player said, mentioning King Jr.'s role in eliminating segregation in the United States.

C. J. McCollum is known for his strong engagement with his community, as he has invested in several altruistic projects. In 2016, he spearheaded the C. J. McCollum Dream Center, a youth educational center in Portland.

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