CLEVELAND - The John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2024 Minority Postgraduate Scholarship Program. 
 
NACDA is pleased to offer, through the John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation:

• Eight (8) $10,000 scholarships
• One (1) fully funded spot into UMass Amherst's Mark H. McCormack top-ranked graduate program

The awards are in addition to any other awards or scholarships the student may have already received. 
 
Additionally, through the support of the Fiesta Bowl, one of the eight (8) available scholarships will be earmarked specifically for a minority candidate from an Arizona based four-year institution. 

To be considered for a John McLendon Minority Postgraduate Scholarship, applicants must: 

1. 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. 
   • If applying to the UMass/McCormack program, applicants must plan to enroll in Fall 2024
2. Have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent in the undergraduate curriculum.  If enrolled in graduate school, the current graduate GPA will not be considered.
3. 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.       
4. Submit a personal essay (1,200 words max) explaining: 
   • 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.
   • 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 business and discuss how this graduate school will equip you with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change and progress in the field. 
5. Submit an undergraduate transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
6. Submit a resume

CLICK HERE to apply for the 2024 John McLendon Minority Postgraduate Scholarship. The application deadline is Thursday, February 1. 
 
For more information about the John McLendon Minority Scholarship Foundation or the Postgraduate Scholarship Program please contact Foundation Assistant Director Ishita Tibrewal (itibrewal@nacda.com) in the NACDA National Office. 

About the McLendon Foundation 
The McLendon Foundation, established in 1999, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded and administered by NACDA. The Foundation honors the legacy of Hall of Fame coach John McLendon who was a pioneer in the field of athletics, the game of basketball, and the civil rights arena. Its mission is to create access and opportunities for historically excluded talent who aspire to impact the sports industry. The Foundation is committed to empowering and developing the next generation of executive leaders in sports through financial resources, a robust educational curriculum and an engaged community of principled leaders. All organizational planning for the Foundation directly aligns with the values of Coach McLendon: Integrity, Education, Leadership and Mentorship. More information regarding the McLendon Foundation can be found at minorityleaders.org, McLendon Foundation's LinkedIn Page and @McLendonScholar. 

About the McCormack Department of Sport Management
The Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management at the University of Massachusetts Amherst is one of the few sport management programs housed within a business school: the Isenberg School of Management. U.S. News & World Report ranks Isenberg as a Top 20 public undergraduate business school, while its online MBA is ranked #5 in the world by Financial Times (2023). The Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management is one of the oldest such programs in the world, and the program's network includes more than 4,000 sport industry alumni, featuring leaders and innovators within every segment of the commercial sports industry. The department has one of the top undergraduate programs in the country, and its graduate program – consisting of master's (MS) level as well as dual-degree (MBA/MS) concentrations – is currently ranked #1 in the world by industry standard Sport Business.
 
For more information, visit the McCormack Department's program page and follow our student-centric educational experience on the department's LinkedIn page.

About the Fiesta Bowl: The Fiesta Bowl's vision is to be a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans. As a nonprofit organization, it believes in the importance of community outreach and service. Through charitable giving, the organization strives to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that contribute to the success of communities through youth, sports and education. Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl has worked to increase its footprint across the state and work to benefit Arizonans year-round, during and outside of bowl season. For more information about its local impact and how to get involved, visit FiestaBowl.org. 
 
About NACDA: NACDA, now in its 59th year, is the professional and educational Association for more than 12,500 college athletics administrators at more than 1,600 institutions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. More than 6,500 athletics administrators annually attend NACDA & Affiliates Convention Week. Additionally, NACDA manages 18 professional associations and three foundations. For more information on NACDA, visit www.nacda.com.