Carolina Youth Coalition is proud to partner with Jordan Wings, the Jordan Brand’s community impact platform inspired by Michael Jordan’s legacy of greatness and commitment to education.
Through this partnership, CYC Fellows have gained access to scholarships, design programs, mentorship, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that inspire academic achievement and creative confidence. Learn more about Jordan Wings
2022 Jumpman Invitational
During the inaugural Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte, CYC was selected as a community partner and beneficiary of unique experiences with Jordan Brand and tournament sponsors Novant Health, Lowe’s, and Truist.
As part of the Jordan Wings Design Program, 23 CYC Fellows participated in an eight-week design experience. Fellows researched the history and traditions of UNC-Chapel Hill, the University of Florida, the University of Michigan, and the University of Oklahoma, then created limited-edition warm-up shirts worn by each university’s men’s and women’s teams during the tournament.
Along the way, Fellows were mentored by Jordan and Nike designers, Triple Threat, sponsor volunteers, and Social Status. The program culminated at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where Fellows presented their designs to the teams and were recognized on court during the UNC-Chapel Hill vs. Michigan game.
Wings Scholars Program
CYC Fellow Dyamond Grate received a full-ride scholarship to the university of her choice, presented by NBA All-Star Bradley Beal at the Jordan Brand Classic in Chicago.
Dyamond planned to attend North Carolina A&T State University to major in Computer Science.
CYC Fellows Jacob Desalegn and Musie Gebreegziabher each received a full-ride scholarship to the university of their choice.
Both planned to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with Musie pursuing Information Science and Jacob pursuing pre-med studies.
CYC Fellow Augustine Glaygbe received a full-ride scholarship to the university of his choice, presented as a surprise by the previous year’s recipient, Carlos Santos Ortiz.
Augustine, a senior at Hawthorne Academy of Health Sciences, planned to attend UNC Greensboro to pursue pre-med studies.
CYC Fellow Carlos Santos Ortiz received a full-ride scholarship, while Gloria Nzuzi and Olivia Rice each earned $5,000 scholarships through Jordan Wings.
Carlos planned to study architecture with additional college persistence support through UNCF. Gloria planned to attend UNC Chapel Hill, and Olivia planned to study Nursing at Appalachian State University.
Hyper Local Tee Program
CYC Fellows and students from Rise2Impact put their creativity to work by designing Jordan t-shirts that were printed and sold during All-Star Weekend at the Mint Museum, Spectrum Center, and Social Status.
With support from Jordan Brand, the Charlotte Hornets, and ArtPop Street Gallery artists, students learned the basics of apparel design, marketing, and creative ideation through a process similar to Jordan designers.
Fellows also participated in a custom shoe design workshop at Social Status with The Shoe Surgeon and NBA All-Stars Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge.
