About the Scholarship
The John McLendon Foundation is excited to offers nine postgraduate scholarships to minority candidates currently pursuing / planning to pursue a master’s degree in a field that will help them pursue a career in the sports industry. For 2024, we will be offering the following:
- Eight (8) $10,000 scholarships
- One (1) fully funded spot into UMass Amherst’s Mark H. McCormack top-ranked graduate program. LEARN MORE HERE
In addition, through the support of the Fiesta Bowl, one of the (8) $10,000 available scholarships will be earmarked specifically for a minority candidate from an Arizona based four-year institution.
Learn more about the impact of the McLendon Scholarship, CLICK HERE
Eligibility Requirements
Federal Guidelines
Must identify as one of the following: Black – All persons having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa. Hispanic – All persons of...
Must identify as one of the following:
- Black – All persons having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.
- Hispanic – All persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture of origin, regardless of race.
- Asian or Pacific Islander – All persons having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent or the Pacific Islands. This area includes, for example, China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippine Islands and Samoa.
- American Indian or Alaskan Native – All persons having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintain cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition.
Minimum Undergraduate GPA
Have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent in the undergraduate curriculum. Candidates whose GPA is less...
Have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent in the undergraduate curriculum.
- Candidates whose GPA is less than 3.0 will not be considered.
- If already enrolled in graduate school, current graduate GPA will not be considered.
Postgraduate Course Of Study
Plan to pursue a master’s degree (in the United States) in a field that will lead to a career in the sports industry; OR be...
Plan to pursue a master’s degree (in the United States) in a field that will lead to a career in the sports industry; OR be currently enrolled full-time but not have graduated before September 2024.
The award must be used within 5 years of receipt.
Eligibility
Candidates who meet the following may be considered for the scholarship: Plan to pursue a master’s degree (in the United States) in a field that will...
Candidates who meet the following may be considered for the scholarship:
- Plan to pursue a master’s degree (in the United States) in a field that will lead to a career in the sports industry; OR be currently enrolled full-time but not have graduated before September 2024.
- The $10,000 award must be used within 5 years of receipt.
- Candidates applying to the McCormack McLendon Scholarship, must plan to enroll in the Fall of the following year.
In addition to the application form, the applicant MUST submit a 1,000-word personal essay.
Prompt for your application submission:
1. Integrity, Education, Leadership and Mentorship were the pillars on which coach McLendon based his career and coaching philosophy. In your own life and experiences, how have these values played a significant role in shaping your outlook and guiding your actions? Share specific examples of how you have demonstrated leadership and integrity, and how you have embraced mentorship to support others in achieving their goals.
2. John McLendon’s coaching style revolutionized the game of basketball with an innovative fast break offense. In your view, what areas in the sports industry need innovative solutions or a fresh approach? Describe a potential area for innovation within sport and discuss how graduate school will equip you with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change and progress in the field.