John McLendon Minority Postgraduate Scholarship Application

NACDA is excited to offer, through the John McLendon Scholarship Foundation, nine postgraduate scholarships to underrepresnted candidates planning to pursue a master’s degree in a field that will help them pursue a career in the sports industry.

Eight (8) $10,000 scholarships
One (1) fully funded spot into UMass Amherst's Mark H. McCormack top-ranked graduate program

Nomination Criteria

To be considered for a John McLendon Minority Postgraduate Scholarship, an applicant must:

Plan to pursue a master's degree (in the United States) in a field that will lead to a career in the sports industry; OR be currently enrolled full-time but not have graduated before September 2024.
- The award must be used within 5 years of receipt.
- If applying to the UMass/McCormack program, applicants must plan to enroll in Fall 2024
Have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 (based on a 4.0 scale) or its equivalent in the undergraduate curriculum. If enrolled in graduate school, current graduate GPA will not be considered.
Identify as one of the following:
- Black -- All persons having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.
- Hispanic -- All persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central or South American, or other Spanish culture of origin, regardless of race.
- Asian or Pacific Islander -- All persons having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent or the Pacific Islands. This area includes, for example, China, India, Japan, Korea, the Philippine Islands and Samoa.
- American Indian or Alaskan Native -- All persons having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintain cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition.
Submit a personal essay (1,200 words max) answering both of the following:
- Integrity, Education, Leadership and Mentorship were the pillars on which coach McLendon based his career and coaching philosophy. In your own life and experiences, how have these values played a significant role in shaping your outlook and guiding your actions? Share specific examples of how you have demonstrated leadership and integrity, and how you have embraced mentorship to support others in achieving their goals.
- John McLendon's coaching style revolutionized the game of basketball with an innovative fast break offense. In your view, what areas in the sports industry need innovative solutions or a fresh approach? Describe a potential area for innovation within sport and discuss how graduate school will equip you with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change and progress in the field.
Submit an undergraduate transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
Submit a resume

All applications MUST be received no later than February 1st 2024.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ishita Tibrewal (itibrewal@nacda.com).

Applicant Information

Please note, correspondence regarding application status will be sent to these addresses.

Full Name:*

First NameLast Name

Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number

Personal E-mail Address:*

example@example.com

Minority Status:*

BlackHispanicAsian or Pacific IslanderAmerican Indian or Alaskan Native

Institution:*

Degree Program (i.e. BA, BS, etc.):*

Actual/Expected graduation date:*

MonthDayYear

Major:*

Cumulative grade point average/scale (i.e. 3.2/4.0):*

Have you been admitted or currently enrolled in graduate program?*

YesNo

To what postgraduate program(s) have you applied to / been accepted by? And what is your intended postgraduate major?*

Institution:*

Expected graduation date:

MonthDayYear

List any other information which may assist the selection committee in their evaluation, including information surrounding unique circumstances or mitigating factors.

Personal Essay (1200 words max)*

1. Integrity, Education, Leadership and Mentorship were the pillars on which coach McLendon based his career and coaching philosophy. In your own life and experiences, how have these values played a significant role in shaping your outlook and guiding your actions? Share specific examples of how you have demonstrated leadership and integrity, and how you have embraced mentorship to support others in achieving their goals. 2. John McLendon's coaching style revolutionized the game of basketball with an innovative fast break offense. In your view, what areas in the sports industry need innovative solutions or a fresh approach? Describe a potential area for innovation within sport and discuss how graduate school will equip you with the knowledge and skills to drive positive change and progress in the field.

Resume:*

Undergraduate Transcript:*

Unofficial Transcripts accepted

Are you interested in applying to the McLendon / McCormack Scholarship?*

YesNo

More info on the McLendon / McCormack Scholarship available

HERE

Which McCormack Program are you interested in applying to?*

MS in Sport Management program (1 year)Dual MBA/MS in Sport Management (2 years)

Please visit UMass Amherst's graduate applications page to submit your application.

APPLY HERE

As a part of the application process to UMass, you will be required to submit the following:

Application Form
Personal Statement
Resume
Atleast two Letters of reference (these can come after the deadline, if needed)
Undergraduate transcripts (this can come after the deadline if needed)
Note: GMAT/GRE scores and the Application fee for McLendon Applicants are waived.

Personal Statement Prompt: Describe what makes you an exceptional and ideal candidate for Umass Amherst's top-ranked McCormack Graduate Program? What has drawn you specifically to this program, and what do you hope to gain if admitted? Project what your professional goals coming out of the program might be, and what segment of the sports industry you are most interested in impacting. How will you endeavor to become a leader in this segment, and what skills will you need to acquire in order to do so?

If you have any trouble accessing the application or submitting it please contact Will Norton (wnorton@isenberg.umass.edu).

How did you hear about the McLendon Foundation / McLendon Scholarship?*

Undergraduate School Information

Graduate School Information

Application Materials