In a given year, The Black Play-by-Play Grant and Scholarship Fund scholarships totaling in excess of $5,000 — a total of $25,000 so far since its founding in 2020. All scholarship applicants - regardless of whether they are awarded a scholarship or grant - will be connected with professionals in the industry through this mentorship program.
To this end, every eligible applicant will become part of a mentor program in which they are paired with a play-by-play professional who has committed to wanting a more diverse future for the broadcast industry.
The idea of a mentorship program was born with the enthusiasm received from broadcasters across the industry about wanting to do more than contribute money to this cause. With that, one of the best resources one can have in the industry is a professional network that is willing to answer questions and guide you toward success.
One of the best things you can do in broadcasting is build a network to learn from and grow with — but there can be more trepidation when the people you’re reaching out to don’t look like you, especially when you’re a college student reaching out to veterans in the industry. Because of that, The Black PxP Fund will reverse roles where the mentors will be tasked with reaching out to the mentees.
Regardless of whether an applicant is selected for a scholarship or the Minor League Baseball Grant, they will be connected with someone who has already navigated the industry and can be an invaluable resource as they begin their own professional journey.