Shaquille O’Neal Backs Debt-Free Degrees For The Next Generation Through Campus’ New Scholars Program
Shaquille O’Neal is backing a scholarship to support the next generation of creators and entrepreneurs.
What Is Campus
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, O’Neal is an investor in Campus, a two-year accredited school with part-time instructors from top universities. It was founded by Tade Oyerinde to ensure students receive a debt-free education.
“We did not want to add $1 to the pile of student loan debt in this country…That’s super key for me,” Oyerinde said on the “Black Tech Green Money” podcast.
Campus Merit Scholars Program
Oyerinde has raised millions for the education venture, and O’Neal is one of its investors, in addition to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Discord Founder Jason Citron.
Now, O’Neal is strengthening his commitment to the student population through his involvement with the Campus Merit Scholars Program. A press release states that students selected as “Shaq Scholars” will be eligible for a full-tuition scholarship to pursue an associate degree in business administration or information technology.
Participants will also receive a laptop, Wi-Fi, and two years of instruction from professors with tenure at institutions such as Stanford University, Princeton University, Howard University, and others. Additionally, students will receive mentorship from Silicon Valley leaders and personal coaching.
Ideal candidates are students building a business, developing a creative brand, or offering solutions to improve their communities.
“I’ve always believed in hard work, grit, and surrounding yourself with the right people,” O’Neal explained in a press release. “This is about building confidence, creating opportunity, and helping students turn potential into power. I can’t wait to meet this year’s class of scholars.”
Oyerinde added, “Maximizing access to world-class education has always been the name of the game. It’s obviously super exciting that legends like Shaq are contributing to that.”
How To Apply
Interested students can apply by visiting Shaqscholars.campus.edu.
