Two Thunder Fellows program graduates will receive free tuition for a business degree
Tulsa, Oklahoma, October 4, 2022 — The Oklahoma City Thunder and the University of Tulsa’s Collins School of Business today announced four-year, annual full-tuition scholarships for two graduating high school seniors who have completed the Thunder Fellows after-school program. The value of each scholarship is approximately $180,000 ($45,000 per year).
“This commitment removes one of the biggest barriers to students achieving their college and career goals,” said Cedric Ikpo, executive director of Thunder Fellows. “Through hard work and perseverance, it enables access to high-quality higher education. With consistent touchpoints throughout college, we can ensure our students are successful on campus.”
To apply for a TU scholarship, Thunder Fellows students must:
- Successfully completed the Thunder Fellows after-school program.
- Successfully completed high school graduation.
- Apply and be accepted by the University of Tulsa.
- Pursue an undergraduate degree at the Collins School of Business.
- Complete at least 30 hours of course work each year at the University of Tulsa.
In addition to tuition, scholarship recipients will be matched with a business mentor in their chosen focus area, placed in TU’s CaneCareers job guarantee program, guaranteed an internship after sophomore year, a laptop, and two in addition to Free admission for all students, free admission to all TU football and men’s and women’s basketball games.
“The Collins School of Business is pleased to welcome these accomplished students to continue to hone their skills and become active participants at the University of Tulsa,” said Kathy Taylor, Dean of Genave King Rogers, Collins School of Business. “The faculty at Collins College ensures that students receive an education that prepares them for success. TU President Brad R. Carson and I are honored to be part of this transformative partnership.”
Founded by the Oklahoma City Thunder and CAA Sports, a division of the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), a leading entertainment and sports agency, Thunder Fellows is a free after-school program for black high school students. Located in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood district, the program uses a data and analytics curriculum uniquely tailored to industry standards, enabling students to master essential skills and gain hands-on experience that is highly sought after by recruiters. Thunder Fellows leverage a strategic pipeline of local and national contacts to provide exclusive access to mentors, professional mentoring and meaningful career opportunities.