These high school students are in for a real treat!

The Foot Locker Foundation has announced its 2020-2021 Class of Scholar Athletes which includes 20 high school students from across the country who have exemplified academic excellence, strong skills in sports and within their communities.

Each recipient will receive a $20,000 scholarship for the school of their choice.

“We know that a quality education provides significant opportunities and breaks down barriers for today’s youth,” shared Richard Johnson, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for Foot Locker, Inc. “No young person should be forced to sacrifice their education because of cost. Our goal is to provide financial support to these exceptional individuals and help take that burden off their shoulders so they can focus on what matters – their academic work and personal growth. I’m incredibly proud of this year’s winners who have overcome so much all while working tirelessly in their communities to drive meaningful change.”

Winners were surprised with a “Zoom-in” with NBA forward for the Portland Trailblazers, Robert Covington to celebrate the accomplishment.

“It was amazing working with Foot Locker scholarship winners — I was blown away by all of them,” Covington told AfroTech exclusively. “Listening to what they want to accomplish in life, their confidence, passion, and all that they have done for their communities at such a young age. I wasn’t as advanced as them, that’s for sure. When I was their age I was just trying to figure things out, stay focused on basketball, and get accepted into a college. These kids have big dreams and they know it. Everyone was so detailed in what they want to accomplish — [I] could see it in their eyes. Many already see a clear path and have started their journey. Spending time with these kids gave me a lot of hope for our future.”

Out of the 20 winners, AfroTech also spoke with recipient Aly Conyers who says the scholarship will help support her future goals.

Photo Credit: Foot Locker Foundation / Aly Conyers

“The Foot Locker Scholarship will help cover the rest of my tuition for school,” said Conyers. “I live in South Carolina, and moving to California will be very expensive. The scholarship will allow my parents to save money on tuition.”

Since 2011, the Foot Locker, Inc. Foundation has upheld its deep commitment to funding academic achievement by investing in the future of scholar-athletes.

To date, they’ve awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to the internal association through its Foot Locker Associate Scholarship (FLAS) program.

This year through the company’s LEED initiative, they’ve expanded the internal scholarship program and will now add 50 scholarships dedicated solely to Black team members over the next five years in an investment of $250,000.

For more on the winners, click here.

Editorial Note: Portions of this article have been edited for clarity.

Robert Covington

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