Charlotte-based Sports Biz Cares Announces Two $25,000 Scholarships

    CHARLOTTE, NC, March 05, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Sports Biz Cares today announced two $25,000 scholarships made possible through a $50,000 gift from the Michael A. Kahn Family Foundation and the Checkers Charitable Foundation. Founded in 2018, Sports Biz Cares is a nonprofit organization working to increase social mobility for high school students through its Sports Biz Camps education program, and expanding diversity within the sports industry.

Kahn, owner and CEO of the American Hockey League's Charlotte Checkers, has committed to the two scholarships that will support the recipients' education throughout their college experience. These scholarships provide financial support for students entering college to comfortably pursue sports internships and volunteer opportunities, helping to lay the foundation of a successful career in the sports industry without fear of being cost-burdened. The fifth and final year of the award is post-graduation, intended to propel students toward an entry-level opportunity in the industry.

"We are thrilled to provide the initial funding of these scholarships to Sports Biz Cares," said Michael Kahn. "We know education and exposure is key to developing our future leaders, and this opportunity will award two deserving students a chance to have financial comfort during an important time of their lives."

Sports Biz Cares, led by sports business professionals Patrick Stack, Jeff Longo and Sam Renaut, will award the scholarships to Charlotte-area high school students who have attended Sports Biz Camps. The students eligible for the scholarship must be graduating high school seniors and intend to continue their education at a college or university beginning in the Fall of 2020.

Consideration will be given to academic achievement and the student's community service record. The scholarships will specifically be available to both female students and minority students who are underrepresented in the business of sport. Students can apply online at sportsbizcamps.com or email [email protected] for consideration.

"A gift like this allows us to continue our work in a substantial way," said Longo, "These scholarships will provide critical funding to students who otherwise may not receive it. This is an integral part of how Sports Biz Cares wants to impact future sports business leaders and spur change in the industry."

Sports Biz Camp's inaugural camp at Charlotte's Johnson and Wales University in July 2019 saw 116 students attend from 35 area high schools. More than 110 sports business professionals from organizations such as the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, the NFL's Carolina Panthers, the MiLB's Charlotte Knights, and agencies like Octagon and GMR Marketing participated in the event.

Beginning in June, Sports Biz Camps is launching camps in the following cities nationwide:

● Atlanta – July 7-July 9, Mercedes Benz Stadium
● Charlotte – June 16-18; June 23-25, Johnson and Wales University
● Chicago – July 21-23, Malcolm X College
● Detroit – July 28-30, Google Offices at Little Caesars Arena
● Indianapolis – June 30-July 2, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
● New Jersey (Jersey Shore) – July 21-23, Monmouth University
● Phoenix – July 14-16, Arizona State's Downtown Phoenix Campus
● Pittsburgh – July 14-16, Location TBD
● Washington, D.C. – July 28-30, John R. Thompson Center, Georgetown Athletics

Supported by sponsors such as NASCAR and OrthoCarolina, Sports Biz Camps is able to provide programming at no cost to families, alleviating a barrier to entry for many students. Sponsors also support during camps by sending representatives to lead workshops and educational sessions, and by hosting students at their offices.

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