SAN FRANCISCO (October 6, 2021) – Today, Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster, awards four students the JuJu Foundation Scholarships. Out of thousands of applicants, the four selected winners include: Fernando Ramirez from Azusa, CA, Phillip Sandoval from Albuquerque, NM, Damien Massey from Lawrenceville, GA and Darian Colligan from Baton Rouge, LA.
JuJu Smith-Schuster is an all-star NFL receiver, becoming the youngest player ever to reach 2,500 career-receiving yards. Off the field, JuJu supports youth through his charity, the JuJu Foundation. Since 2019, the foundation has been committed to philanthropic efforts such as supporting Pittsburgh’s local charities and children in need. The JuJu Foundation Scholarship was created to help students facing financial burdens. Each recipient receives $5,000 toward their education.
JuJu Smith-Schuster says, “Darian, Damien, Fernando and Phillip all submitted amazing essays for The JuJu Foundation Scholarship. It is an honor to be in a position to help them pay for college through Bold.org and the JuJu Foundation. I am so grateful to be a small part of their journey as they pursue their education and career.”
The Four recipients of the JuJu Foundation scholarship include:
Scholarship recipient, Darian Colligan says, “A few years ago I decided I wanted to further my education at a prestigious HBCU, but I didn’t know how I was going to be able to afford it. I was raised by a single mother with four children, which limited the amount of resources she had. My senior year of high school I graduated as valedictorian and the captain of the volleyball team, but neither one earned me a scholarship. I took out a few loans to cover my tuition, but it still wasn’t enough. I started to panic and then I received an email saying that I won the JuJu Foundation scholarship. It paid off the rest of my tuition and I am so grateful for that. I am able to pursue my dream career and the JuJu Foundation made it possible.”
Scholarship recipient, Phillip Sandoval says, “The JuJu Foundation Scholarship will help me pursue my education and career in Computer Science. Now, I can attend school without worrying as much about going into debt. As the financial provider for my four children and a wife, I work very hard for what I earn. Anything helps financially. I cannot say just how grateful I am for this scholarship on Bold.org. I finally have incentive to push myself to pursue the education and career that I have always wanted. I will do everything in my power to be the best being I can be. I am here for a purpose, and I am now in pursuit of that purpose!”
Scholarship recipient, Damien Massey says, "I am extremely thankful for the opportunities that have been granted to me as a result of this scholarship. Being selected as a winner caught me by complete surprise and I still can't believe I was chosen. With the help of the JuJu foundation, I am now able to afford my education at Penn State University, and move one step closer to my dream of becoming a successful architect."
Scholarship recipient, Fernando Ramirez says, “This scholarship has provided me with a substantial amount of aid that I will use to fund my education at California State University Long Beach. It has not only helped me, but also helped my family. Now that I have received this scholarship, I can focus on my studies without having to worry about debt.”
JuJu joins a long line of athletes and public figures who make a point of supporting education, including other Bold.org scholarship sponsors such as NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade, professional tennis player Sloane Stephens, producer and DJ 3LAU, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, Grammy-winning band Imagine Dragons, NFL player Brandon Zylstra, professional MMA fighter Cat Zingano, actress and entrepreneur Jameela Jamil, actor Terry Crews and NBA player, Tyrell Terry.