The Utah Jazz today announced that it would extend its Utah Jazz Scholars Program for an additional season to provide college scholarships to students from underrepresented groups. The program provides one scholarship for every Jazz win in the preseason, regular season, and playoffs during the 2021-22 campaign.

The first cohort of 30 students began attending college as freshmen this fall as Utah Jazz Scholars. Applications for a second cohort will open on Nov. 15 for scholarships in the 2022-23 academic year. Future full scholarships will be available for more students pending the Jazz win total this season.

Last season, with the Jazz as the winningest team in the Western Conference, the program totaled 61 scholarships to cover up to the full cost of attendance – including tuition, books, fees and room and board – for each recipient’s undergraduate education at Brigham Young University, Southern Utah University, University of Utah, Utah Valley University, Utah State University, and Weber State University.

“We are super excited to keep winning here on the court so scholarships can be awarded to more amazing young people,” said Jazz player Joe Ingles.

“We believe strongly in the power of education to change lives. The Utah Jazz Scholars Program reflects our desire to help students from underrepresented groups who have historically received fewer resources and less support,” said Ryan and Ashley Smith, owners of the Utah Jazz. “It’s amazing to think about the fact that for every win the Jazz have this season, a student will get to go to college who would not otherwise have had the opportunity.”

“This school year has been a dream for me,” said Jael Jaimes, one of the scholarship recipients. “I’m so grateful for this opportunity and, of course, the Utah Jazz organization and the players for a winning season.”

“This scholarship has been life changing for me,” added Utah Jazz Scholar Will Thomas.

The Utah Jazz Scholars Program is specially designated for students from underrepresented groups who have demonstrated financial need, with preference given to first-generation college students. In addition to the financial investment, each student will be offered guidance and assistance in the form of mentorships, job shadowing, and internship and job placement support – a collaborative effort between the Utah Jazz and the broader Utah business community.

Scholarship recipients will be eligible based on the following criteria:

· Graduate of a Utah high school

· Person from an underrepresented group

· Demonstrated financial need

· Preference for first-generation college student

· Incoming freshman enrolling as a full-time student for the 2022-23 school year

· Admission to one of the six listed Utah universities: Brigham Young University, Southern Utah University, University of Utah, Utah Valley University, Utah State University, Weber State University

The Utah Jazz have partnered with 10,000 Degrees, a leading non-profit which focuses on college access and success programs, scholarships and support, to select scholarship recipients and administer the scholarships.

For more information or to apply for the Utah Jazz Scholarship, please visit www.utahjazz.com/scholarship.

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