Derrick Rose Announces $400,000 College Tuition Scholarship Program

Derrick Rose is launching a $400,000 scholarship initiative called The Rose Scholars program.

The 29-year-old NBA player tweeted the announcement yesterday, describing The Rose Scholars program as "a scholarship program which seeks to give high school students the opportunity they need to make their dreams a reality."

According to RoseScholars.com, the program will be open to high school sophomore, junior and senior students who are "civically minded and have an instinct to lead. [Rose] is gifting one grand prize winner up to $200,000, paid out $25,000 per semester for four years plus two smaller winners for up to $20,000."

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The program aims to focus “on students who are civically minded and demonstrate a willingness to lead,” according to a news release, which quoted Rose saying, “I hope to provide students a path to college that was not previously available to them. Investing in school-age youth has long been a passion of mine, and I am proud to continue to help children pursue higher education as a means to better themselves and their communities.”

Applicants are required to apply, write an essay, and post on social media explaining how they have been a leader in the community. The deadline for application is Sept. 31, and winners will be announced in October.

Rose is the latest NBA player to give charitable donations to youth recently. Earlier this week, LeBron James opened up the I Promise school in Akron, Ohio.