Coaches and scouts at HBCUs, and graduates of HBCUs have an important new support system behind them thanks to former longtime NFL executive Scott Pioli.
Pioli - the former general manager of the Chiefs who also has front office experience with the Falcons, Patriots, Jets, Ravens and Browns - recently announced the establishment of an endowed fund to "create more opportunities for men and women affiliated with HBCUs in the game of football," the release from the Pro Football Hall of Fame shares.
From the release:
“We hope this endowment and its grants will serve black coaches and scouts from HBCUs with career aspirations in football. The dynamic and enduring legacy of HBCU players, coaches and scouts changed our great game and made it better.”
“Too often talented prospective football coaches and scouts encounter financial obstacles that don’t allow them to accept opportunities that may provide upward mobility. Our hope is to serve through our fund with the Black College Football HOF and Pro Football HOF. We truly believe ‘to whom much has been given, much will be required.’”
Recipients from a pool of applicants will be chosen by a selection committee and will be given grants that range between $2,000 to $10,000 to help reimburse job-related expenses, housing or travel costs, or other costs related to advancing their careers in college or professional football.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has an area dedicated to honoring the greatest coaches and players that have HBCU roots, and future plans call for that space to be made into its own museum.
Those interested in applying for the new grant can do so via this link.
Head here to read more on the initiative.