Football player's scholarship program to finance on-campus and online degree programs

Football player's scholarship program to finance on-campus and online degree programs

Braylon Edwards, a former wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns who has recently been traded to the New York Jets, has announced that he will honor his promise to distribute scholarships to 100 Cleveland-area students, the Plain Dealer reports.

Two years ago, Edwards selected 100 public school students to take part in the Braylon Edwards Foundation's (BEF) Advance 100 program.

Edwards pledged to give each eighth-grade participant $10,000 when they graduated from high school so long as they maintained a 2.5 GPA, had no unexcused absences and completed 15 hours of volunteer work per year.

The program aims to provide an incentive for students to succeed academically, practice good conduct and get involved in their communities, according to the BEF website.

Although he has left Cleveland, Edwards' foundation invites those students who have upheld the requirements at Cuyahoga Community College for speeches and programs on applying to college, financial aid options and self-esteem.

These events are intended to "[make] sure the kids have a great shot at making it when they go on to college," said Karen Miller, the college's dean of student affairs.

Students who uphold the program's requirements through graduation can put their awards toward whichever postsecondary option they choose, including tuition at an online university.