Eight HBCU business students will receive life-changing $5,000 scholarships from NBA legends. The Social Change Fund United, created by Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony, announced the $40,000 scholarship program. These funds will support students studying finance and entrepreneurship at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The scholarship winners will be announced on July 1, 2025. Applications have already closed for this competitive program. The initiative specifically targets students with entrepreneurial ambitions who want to create positive social change in their communities.
This funding represents more than just financial support for education. The program aims to develop the next generation of Black business leaders and entrepreneurs. Recipients will gain access to resources that help them build businesses focused on uplifting Black communities.
NBA Stars Launch Social Justice Initiative Through Education
The Social Change Fund United emerged in 2020 during nationwide social and racial justice movements. NBA legends Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, and Carmelo Anthony founded the organization to address systemic inequalities. Their timing coincided with increased awareness about racial justice issues across America.
“It was a real moment,” Anthony explained to Fast Company in April. “We were watching a moment in society and our community, and our country, and it’s right in front of our faces, and the world was watching.” The athletes felt compelled to take action during this pivotal time in American history.
The founders recognized their platform could create meaningful change beyond basketball courts. They chose education and entrepreneurship as key areas for impact. Their approach focuses on supporting diverse communities through strategic partnerships and targeted funding initiatives.
Strategic Vision for Equity and Social Justice Reform
The Social Change Fund United operates with clear goals for advancing equity and justice. Anthony described their strategic approach during the Fast Company interview. “What we did was create a really clear vision on what we wanted to do on strategy, how do we advance equity, how do we advance social justice, criminal justice reform, and strategic partnerships,” he said.
The organization became intentional about outreach efforts and partnership selection. They carefully crafted messages to align with their mission of creating sustainable change. This strategic approach ensures maximum impact from their investments in education and community development.
The fund addresses multiple areas of social justice reform simultaneously. Criminal justice reform, educational equity, and economic empowerment form the foundation of their work. This comprehensive approach tackles systemic issues from multiple angles to create lasting change.
HBCU Focus Strengthens Black Educational Institutions
Historically Black Colleges and Universities serve as crucial pillars in Black education and community development. The scholarship program specifically targets HBCU students to strengthen these important institutions. This focus acknowledges the unique role HBCUs play in developing Black leaders and professionals.
HBCU business programs produce graduates who often return to serve their communities. These institutions have historically provided opportunities when other colleges excluded Black students. The scholarship program builds on this legacy by supporting the next generation of Black entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The $5,000 awards provide significant financial relief for students pursuing business degrees. Many HBCU students face financial challenges that can limit their educational opportunities. These scholarships remove barriers and allow students to focus on their studies and entrepreneurial goals.
Celebrity Athletes Expand Impact Through Executive Council
The Social Change Fund United includes an executive council of prominent NBA and WNBA stars. Candace Parker and CJ McCollum join the founding trio in guiding the organization’s direction. This expanded leadership brings diverse perspectives and additional resources to the initiative.
Sports and media management advisors provide strategic guidance to the fund’s operations. These partnerships leverage expertise from various industries to maximize the program’s effectiveness. The combination of athletic influence and business expertise creates a powerful platform for change.
The celebrity involvement brings significant visibility to HBCU education and Black entrepreneurship. High-profile athletes can spotlight issues that might otherwise receive limited attention. Their platform amplifies the importance of supporting Black educational institutions and businesses.
Nationwide Grant Distribution Creates Broader Community Impact
Beyond the HBCU scholarships, the Social Change Fund United has distributed over $182,000 in grants. These funds have reached communities across 24 U.S. cities nationwide. The broad geographic distribution ensures the impact extends beyond individual scholarship recipients.
The grant funding supports various initiatives aimed at combating racial injustice. Local organizations receive resources to implement programs in their communities. This grassroots approach creates change at the community level where it’s most needed.
The fund’s comprehensive strategy combines education support with community development. Scholarships prepare future leaders while grants address immediate community needs. This dual approach creates both short-term relief and long-term sustainable change.
Building Sustainable Change Through Entrepreneurship Focus
The scholarship program emphasizes entrepreneurship as a tool for social change. Recipients must demonstrate passion for using business ventures to benefit their communities. This requirement ensures the funding supports students committed to creating positive social impact.
Entrepreneurship provides a pathway for addressing systemic inequalities through economic empowerment. Black-owned businesses can create jobs and wealth within underserved communities. The scholarship program invests in students who will likely start businesses that serve these communities.
The focus on finance and entrepreneurship education prepares students for real-world business challenges. These skills enable graduates to launch successful ventures and navigate complex financial landscapes. Proper education increases the likelihood of business success and community impact.
Future Leaders Prepare to Transform Communities
The scholarship recipients represent the future of Black business leadership and community development. Their education at HBCUs provides them with strong foundations in business principles and community service. These students will likely become entrepreneurs, executives, and community leaders.
Winners will join a network of Social Change Fund United supporters and alumni. This connection provides ongoing mentorship and partnership opportunities beyond graduation. The relationships formed through this program can last throughout their professional careers.
The July 1 announcement date marks the beginning of these students’ enhanced educational journeys. The $5,000 awards remove financial barriers and provide validation of their potential. This support system increases their chances of academic success and future business ventures that will uplift Black communities.
