This is a great thing that Braylon did. I first saw this on twitter, so i looked into it a little bit more... First: As the 2nd most hated man in Clev. & a man of my word, Today I will honor a promise made to 100 students in Cleveland 6 years ago Second: The last of my Advance 100 students will graduate from my program & head off to college on scholarships that I will provide them with. Third: Guys enjoy & embrace your new beginnings and remember your promise to me, to reach back & help someone else along the way!!!And then I found this article that explains it a little more CLEVELAND, OH - Cleveland Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards pledged $1 million in academic scholarships to the Cleveland Municipal School District (CMSD) at the launch of the ADVANCE 100 education enrichment program on Wednesday, May 16, 2007. Edwards, along with City of Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, CMSD CEO Dr. Eugene Sanders and the 100 students chosen to participate in the program, gathered at an assembly at Lincoln-West High School. The program launch was a huge success with over one hundred parents present. Parents and students signed a pledge, committing to the program. Each student met Edwards and excitedly posed for a photo with the Brown’s wide receiver. Eighth grade students in the ADVANCE 100 program will be provided mentoring and tutoring in an effort to equip them for success. Members, teachers and counselors will receive incentives and awards for their participation and support. Participating students’ progress throughout high school will be closely monitored by BEF and the Cleveland Scholarship Program (CSP). Advance 100 is an education initiative of the Braylon Edwards Foundation (BEF). “Braylon is not only investing the in the future of these 100 children by providing them with the incentive to succeed, but he is investing in the city of Cleveland,” Browns head coach Romeo Crennel said. “We are proud of Braylon for his commitment to education and the youth of this city.” Program participants are required to maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or better and to accumulate at least 15 hours of community service each year, while displaying exemplary citizenship and conduct. They will not be allowed any unexcused absences. Edwards, in his third year in the NFL, is no stranger to philanthropy. Last year he announced a $500,000 scholarship endowment fund for college players who earn the distinction of wearing the University of Michigan’s No.1 football jersey. “The fundamentals of success can only be achieved through a quality education," said Edwards. "I am fortunate to be in a position where I can give back to create opportunities for young people." CSP is the leading college access program in the nation and is emulated throughout the country. Each year, CSP provides educational opportunities and workforce development by counseling more than 30,000 Greater Cleveland residents of all ages about post-secondary educational options. The Braylon Edwards Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing and meeting the needs of underserved youth in the concentrated area of education. BEF’s goal is to emphasize the importance of education by providing scholarships and incentives to youth who demonstrate strong commitment and effort to excelling in academics, citizenship and community volunteerism.
Maintaining a 2.5 GPA in the Cleveland School District and 15 hours of community service per year? Way to set the bar high. The sky is the limit for those kids!
it actually is considering no unexcused absences were allowed, the public school system sucks especially in working class neighborhoods and most of these kids probably lack role models. meanwhile more privileged kids skate by only to piss away mommy and daddy's money by the time they fail out of college their 1st year. its a highly commendable act on BE's part.
Great thing Edwards did here. $1 million is a big chunk of money and I'm sure it's helping a bunch of kids who could not afford college otherwise, along with providing them motivation for graduating high school with decent grades. It does remind me of that Office episode where Michael Scott promised to pay for all of those kids tuition and then had to back out of it after they graduated HS
Once i started reading the story i immediately thought of "Scott's tots", lol.. good thing Edwards is doing.
