OUR MISSION
The Fund aims to develop learning skills, enhance character traits, and expand personal values that ultimately empower and inspire self-confidence. Founded through the vision and loving memory of Kobe and Gianna "Gigi" Bryant.
OUR VALUES
Mambacitas
Student-Athletes rise above unique challenges on a daily basis, both on and off the field/court.
O
Opportunity
Providing opportunities to underserved youth breathes innovation to life, helping optimize how we all work and live.
Leadership
Empowering the next generation Mambacitas through leadership engagement, exposure and experiences.
Tech
Shaping the tech sector of the future through her presence alone. As of 2023, women hold ~27% of technology jobs.
Key Dates
06
September
Application period begins
02
February
End of 18-week period.
1st round of Interviews begin.
14
April
End of 36-week period.
2nd round of Interviews begin.
07
May
Selection(s) made.
Notifications sent within two weeks.
APPLY
Scholarship Overview
The application period begins at the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year and any donations received before the award ceremony will be a bonus added directly to the students’ payout. In remembrance of Kobe and Gigi Bryant, we are grateful for the opportunity to provide TWO cash awards – one need-based, the other merit-based. A female scholar will be selected for the merit-based, Gigi’s Mambacita Scholarship; young men are encouraged to apply for our need-based, Kobe’s Mambacita Scholarship award.
Eligibility Requirements
Gigi’s Mambacita Scholarship Criteria
-
Current cumulative GPA Req. 2.8
-
Completed FAFSA to current or prospective College or University
-
IHE S.T.E.M. area of study
-
One sports tryout during or prior to current academic year
Kobe’s Mambacita Scholarship Criteria
-
Current cumulative GPA Req. 2.4
-
Completed FAFSA to current or prospective College or University
-
Young men encouraged to apply
All applicants must be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551.
Mentorship Program
-
Optional, recommended
-
Requires parent/guardian permission
-
Minimum enrollment through completion of sophomore year
-
Shared student portal sign-in (e.g. Canvas app)
-
Guaranteed scholarship renewal
FAQs
-
Awarded directly to student?
-
Yes, if mentorship program accepted by parent(s)/guardian(s)
-
Otherwise, directly to IHE
-
-
-
Will we require to see a bill?
-
Funds must be applied to verifiable costs associated with average tuition and usual fees
-
-
Amount granted
-
Variable, dependent upon fundraising campaign(s)
-
Minimum of $1,500 for Gigi’s Mambacita Scholarship
-
Minimum of $500 for Kobe’s Mambacita Scholarship
-
-
How to Apply
-
Answer any one the generated topics (essay or video submission)
-
Provide the topic with essay
-
If you use artificial intelligence:
-
Provide prompts used to generate essay
-
Prepare to demonstrate knowledge of natural language models during interview(s)
-
-
-
Minimum 90 second video length
-
-
Demonstrate steps taken to achieve or maintain financial literacy (essay or video submission)
-
Different format for each submission is encouraged
-
Topic: What are some of the challenges you expect to face at the next level? What lessons have you learned during your high school career that will help you overcome them?