Scholarships
In 2012, the Rays Baseball Foundation and Helios Education Foundation teamed up to provide $1 million in college scholarships for students participating in "Take Stock in Children" in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee and Pasco counties. Called "Doubling Up for Education", the partnership is aimed at giving students the financial resources and mentorship support they need to successfully achieve a postsecondary education at any Florida state college. Each time a Rays player hits a double in a regular season game, Helios will donate $600 toward the initiative and the Rays Baseball Foundation will match that gift. The partners expect a combined cash total of $200,000 each season toward college scholarships, bringing the total scholarship investment to $1 million over five years.
"Take Stock in Children" provides a unique opportunity for low-income and at-risk students, many from minority families, to escape the cycle of poverty through education. The program offers students college scholarships, mentorship and hope for a better life. The program’s comprehensive services start in middle school, continue through high school and include helping students transition to college. Helios Education Foundation is focused on creating a high-expectations, college-going culture in Arizona and Florida by investing in initiatives that create opportunities for postsecondary education success. Helios is contributing its leadership, expertise and financial resources to better prepare students to succeed academically and to compete in a globally competitive economy.
Since 2009, the Rays Baseball Foundation has awarded $15,000 in scholarships annually to Academy Prep locations in St. Petersburg and Tampa. Academy Prep provides an academic environment designed for students who may not have succeeded in a traditional school environment. The centers inspire and empower economically disadvantaged students to become future community leaders through a middle school program and ongoing graduate support.
In 2009, the foundation partnered with the Jackie Robinson Foundation to create the Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship in Tampa Bay for deserving students to recognize strength of character and determination. The Rays awarded a $40,000 scholarship over four years (2009 - 2012) to local student Petra Greenridge.
The Monte Irvin Scholarship is a one-time $2,500 gift designed to recognize and support the higher education of one outstanding male and one outstanding female high school student in Pinellas County. Scholarship winners are shining examples of academic excellence, strong character and commitment to the community. In 2012, both winners were selected from the F.L.Y. leadership group.
In memory of beloved front office staff member Barry Jones, the Rays Baseball Foundation established the Barry Jones Memorial Scholarship. This one-time, $2,500 scholarship recognizes a Manatee County student who exemplifies outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to community service.
Since 2009 the Rays have supported the University of South Florida Latino Scholarship. This is a university-wide financial need based scholarship designed to assist USF in achieving and sustaining the education benefits of diversity and community and the increasing number of USF students interested in the issues affecting the Latino community and/or likely to give back to the Latino community after graduation.