New Orleans Pelicans Star CJ McCollum And 11 College Beyond Scholars Will Receive An $80K Scholarship For College

Eleven New Orleans-area high school scholars will benefit from Pelicans C McCollum's "College Beyond program.

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Pelicans Star CJ McCollum and New Orleans nonprofit College Beyond proudly announced the 2024 McCollum Scholars. The 11 high school juniors selected for the McCollum Scholars Program represent a diverse group of talented individuals across New Orleans who demonstrate a strong commitment to their education.

The official 2024 McCollum Scholars include:

Akeim Nelson, G.W. Carver High School

Alejandra Flores, Livingston Collegiate Academy

Arsenio Bolds, Jr., Edna Karr High School

Elissa Merlin, The Willow School New Orleans

Ezekiel Whitley, St. Augustine High School

Gerald Jackson, Abramson Sci Academy

Jayden Simmons, G.W. Carver High School

Keyria Billew, Livingston Collegiate Academy

Kiali Brown, The Willow School New Orleans

Nandi Gayles, Ben Franklin High School

Zayden Hills, Edna Karr High School

New Orleans Pelicans Star CJ McCollum said, “My work in the community for nearly a decade has been centered around providing opportunities for young people to think outside the box about what they can achieve in their lives. My family and I feel incredibly blessed to help these 11 students work to realize their dreams of attaining their college degrees. This is truly just the beginning for these students and I am excited to play a small role in their very bright futures.”

CG Consulting CEO & College Beyond Board Chair Dr. Chantelle George said, “Education is the key that can unlock a world of opportunities for students. Through this unprecedented college scholarship opportunity, we are investing in the future of the young people of New Orleans to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in New Orleans and across the world."

Through the McCollum Scholars Program, these students will receive a scholarship of up to $80,000 over four years, or up to $20,000 per year, to support their college education. In addition to financial support, the McCollum Scholars will receive personalized assistance throughout their college journey, including mentorship, academic coaching, and career readiness training.

Additionally, during their senior year of high school, scholars will receive a full year of counseling and cohort engagement to prepare for the college journey ahead.

College Beyond Executive Director Clara Baron-Hyppolite said, “Congratulations to the 11 students selected to be a part of the McCollum Scholars Program. We received over 400 applications for this scholarship, and the interview process truly shone a light on New Orleans students' immense talent and dedication. We know that this opportunity will be transformative for them, their families, and the communities they inspire.”

New Orleans Pelicans Equity and Social Impact Vice President Dr. Darvelle Hutchins said, “ I am deeply humbled by the positive difference and impact players like CJ McCollum have made in the City of New Orleans and surrounding communities through programs and initiatives that directly address systemic change.

CJ’s McCollum Scholars Program in partnership with College Beyond demonstrates a multi-year investment in local youth and has the potential to increase household incomes for underserved populations by graduating students’ debt-free and strengthening their access to higher-paying careers. This inaugural class of scholars is more than deserving, and I feel confident they will all go forth and do phenomenal things. Congratulations!”

For more on the McCollum Scholars Program, visit collegebeyond.org/mccollum-scholars.