Jordan Brand Expands its Wings Scholars Program to the Philippines, Breaking Down Barriers to Higher Education

MANILA, DECEMBER 12, 2022 – Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Program, the brand’s community impact platform that provides education opportunities for youth who need it most around the globe, has brought the full-board college scholarship grants to the Philippines.

Six high school graduates will receive four-year scholarships to Ateneo de Manila University and pursue the course of their choice. Jordan Brand partnered with children’s rights organization Bahay Tuluyan to identify the six young students who are now part of the global community of Wings Scholars pursuing their dreams of excelling in life through quality higher education.

In partnership with Bahay Tuluyan, each Wings Scholar will also receive skills training, career guidance and mentorship throughout their 4-year tenure at the university.

“Showing up for basketball culture is core to our purpose at Jordan Brand,” says Craig Williams, Jordan Brand President. “And when you think about the community in Manila who shows so much love for the game, it only makes sense that we would bring Jordan Wings to them, to extend this spirit of excellence.”

Kiefer Ravena, Ateneo alumni and Jordan Brand’s first Filipino athlete who currently plays in the B. League, Japan’s men’s professional basketball league, welcomed the six scholars to the Jordan Family. “Ateneo de Manila University instills in its students a spirit of excellence through education and a commitment to give back to the community – a value which now connects the six scholars with the Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Program’s own purpose. With the power of these two organizations behind them, the path for these scholars is bright and I wish them every success in their future,” Kiefer says.

So far, the Wings Scholars program has been launched in the United States, China and France. The Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to join the global initiative which has funded more than 2,886 students since 2015.

Meet the Wings Scholars from the Philippines, Class of 2026.

Sports-minded Jürgen San Agustin from Ateneo de Zamboanga will pursue a BS in Management Information Systems, specializing in analytics. He desires to be an NBA analyst one day. Lean Villar, a volleyball enthusiast, wants to become a clinical psychologist to promote mental health & wellbeing and will major in psychology.

Czarina Leviste will take up a BA Health Sciences degree with an aim to provide free health services to more people in the future. Harriet De Leon who has been exposed to special education through her parents, will major in political science and aspires to open doors to education for all kids one day.

Science-inclined badminton athlete Adrian De Guzman wants to make the most of his education. As a student of B.S. Computer Science, he wants to give back to the community and the future generation. Math-whiz Coleen Reyes will take up Applied Mathematics and masters in Data Science and aims to create tools that will help change the game for those who seek mentorship, guidance and education.

This first group of Jordan Brand Wings Scholars is scheduled to graduate in 2026.

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About Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Program

The Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Program inspires youth around the world to achieve greatness on their own terms. It was inspired by Michael Jordan’s legacy of greatness and commitment to education. The Wings Program was founded in 2015 and works with more than 30 partners globally to unlock access to education and mentorship for youth who need it most. Its purpose is to provide opportunities and access that helps youth realize their true potential through education and create a better future.

About Bahay Tuluyan

Bahay Tuluyan is a Manila-based non-government organization that is committed to building a world where every child's rights is respected, protected and fulfilled. Through children-centred programs and services at grassroots level and dynamic collaboration with local and international partners, Bahay Tuluyan brings social development and change among young kids. The organization was founded in 1987 and operates in Manila, Laguna and Quezon.

KIEFER RAVENA JOINS THE JORDAN FAMILY

Kiefer Ravena, national star from the Gilas Pilipinas team and Philippine Basketball Association, is the newest athlete, and first Filipino, to join the Jordan Brand’s growing family. One of the most resounding names in Philippine basketball for almost a decade and a half, Ravena’s authentic passion and love for the game makes him a perfect addition to the Jordan Brand.

“It’s an honor for me to be part of this basketball family. I’m both thankful and excited to be the first Filipino to be a member of the Jordan Brand. Seeing how MJ played during his time in the NBA, I collected his shoes and wanted to be a part of his camps in the U.S. My first pair of basketball shoes were Jordan 9s,” says the Gilas Pilipinas mainstay.

With a stellar high school career with the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, Ravena won three titles and two finals MVP awards in the Juniors Division of the UAAP. He quickly followed that with two more championships in the UAAP Seniors Division where he was also part of the Mythical Five three times, and was league MVP in 2014 and 2015. Post college, Ravena went on to become the second overall pick in the 2017 PBA draft of the NLEX Road Warriors, instantly becoming an All-Star the year after. In just over three seasons in Asia’s oldest basketball pro league, he has career averages of 16.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.

The second-generation basketball star has five gold medal finishes with the national team in the Southeast Asian Games from 2011 through 2019. He has represented the Philippines in other international tournaments, such as the FIBA Asia Champions Cup 2017, FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2019 and several FIBA 3x3 tournaments, such as the 2013 FIBA Asia 3x3 Championship and 2017 3x3 FIBA World Cup.

“We’re inspired by Manila’s basketball culture and are thrilled to welcome our first Filipino athlete to the Jordan family,” says Craig Williams, Jordan Brand President. “Basketball has a powerful influence on youth culture around the globe, and Kiefer can inspire future generations of ballers to make an impact in their hometowns and beyond. We are united by a shared love for the game, and Kiefer – a two-time UAAP MVP and Champion – represents the passion and love for basketball that you see all over the Philippines.”

Kiefer joins a spectacular roster of basketball athletes from the NBA and WNBA such as Zion Williamson, Satou Sabally, Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, Asia Durr, and Kia Nurse.