Program Rewards Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Alumni Who Have Demonstrated Both Academic Success and Positive Community Involvement
Major League Baseball has awarded college scholarships, each valued at $5,000 per year, to 12 incoming college freshmen who are alumni of the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program – the baseball and softball initiative administered by MLB to serve youth, particularly those from underserved communities.
Name School RBI League
Ariana Hencke California State University-Fullerton Los Angeles Angels RBI
Charity Vernon Texas A&M at Navarro Texas Rangers RBI
Colby Cureton Howard University DC Grays RBI
Daniel Mokom University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth RBI Alaska
Jalen Polk Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach RBI Nashville
Jesse Burton Rust College Houston Astros Foundation RBI
Joshua Gerken Gannon University Pittsburgh Pirates RBI
Lianna Gonzalez Pennsylvania State University- New Kensington DREAM
Lonnie Santiago Johnson & Wales University Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket RBI
Mya Villanueva New Jersey City University Roberto Clemente RBI
Nijel Davis Morehouse College Cincinnati Reds RBI
Sarah Dugan DeSales University Philadelphia Phillies RBI
The recipients are receiving the grants through the “RBI for RBI” Scholarship Fund, created in 2008 to provide financial support for college-bound student-athletes based on academic record, leadership qualities, participation in school and community activities, and financial need. Since its inception, the “RBI for RBI” Scholarship Fund has awarded more than 140 college scholarships to RBI participants from 37 programs.
“Education is one of the core values that we impart on all youth who participate in our programs, especially RBI,” said Tony Reagins, Chief Baseball Development Officer at Major League Baseball. “The RBI Program has produced incredible talent on the field, but we are just as proud of the alumni who have become professionals in various fields of their choice. We congratulate these 12 worthy recipients and wish them well as they pursue their academic and career goals.”
The “RBI for RBI “scholarships provide each recipient the opportunity to pursue any field of study at a two-year college, four-year college, university or vocational school in the United States or Puerto Rico. The scholarships may be renewed for up to three years or until the award recipient has earned his or her training certificate, associate degree or bachelor’s degree.
