Michael Jordan's Brand Wings initiative has supported more than 4,000 scholarship recipients worldwide; its 10th anniversary programme awarded over 350 scholarships in 2025

Michael Jordan's Jordan Brand has marked the 10th anniversary of its Wings initiative after helping more than 4,000 students worldwide access educational opportunities through scholarships, mentorship and creative programmes. The initiative, established to help young people overcome barriers to education and personal development, reached another milestone in 2025 by awarding scholarships to more than 350 students across the United States, the Philippines and China. The anniversary also brought new partnerships in London and Paris, alongside programmes designed to extend its support to more communities.Jordan Brand Wings has supported more than 4,000 scholarship recipientsThe Wings initiative is one of Jordan Brand's major community programmes, drawing inspiration from Michael Jordan's achievements and his personal connection to education. According to Nike's official announcement published on July 15, 2025, the programme has provided opportunities to more than 4,000 scholars worldwide over its first decade.The initiative was developed around the belief that access to education, guidance and encouragement can help young people reach their potential. It also reflects the importance of education in Jordan's own upbringing, with his parents instilling in him the value of learning.Jordan Brand's official Wings website explains that its purpose is to create inspiration and access that help young people build better futures. The programme also recognises that not every student has the same opportunities, particularly those from disadvantaged communities who face additional barriers to education and professional development.Instead of concentrating on financial assistance alone, Wings combines scholarships with mentorship, practical experience and opportunities to explore creative interests. Its activities are designed to help students develop skills that can support them beyond their education and into their future careers.The 2025 scholarship programme reached students across three countriesThe 10th anniversary celebrations in 2025 included scholarships for more than 350 students from several locations in the United States, the Philippines and China.Nike's announcement identified recipients from Charlotte, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and Portland in the US, as well as Manila in the Philippines and 33 cities across China. These students joined an established international community of more than 4,000 people who had benefited from the initiative during its first decade.The scholarships are part of the Wings Scholars Program, which aims to make higher education more accessible. The programme works with local partners to identify committed students, primarily those who would be the first in their families to attend university.Its support includes scholarships, information and educational resources intended to reduce the difficulties students may encounter while completing their studies. The programme has a particular interest in helping students pursue opportunities in creative fields, teaching, coaching and sport.What other opportunities does the Wings initiative provideScholarships are only one part of the initiative. Jordan Brand has also developed programmes that introduce young people to creative industries, professional environments and experiences beyond the classroom.One of these is the Beyond Basketball programme, which uses sport as a starting point for wider learning. As described on Nike's official website, it combines basketball culture with creative activities and life skills, encouraging participants to explore interests beyond playing the game.The initiative also runs a Design Program for young people interested in creative careers. Participants can learn from designers and product creation teams, receive help developing portfolios and gain advice about pursuing design education or entering creative industries.The programme is intended for students with different ambitions, including those who want to attend design school, establish their own brands or develop products that contribute to social change.Another part of the initiative is its Intern Program, which gives students opportunities to gain practical workplace experience. Participants work on real-world challenges while developing professional skills, building relationships and establishing networks that could prove useful in their careers.Nike reported in its 2025 anniversary announcement that the programme had placed 36 students in internships across NIKE, Inc. worldwide. More than 1,400 students had also completed the Wings Design Program over the initiative's first decade.New partnerships are extending the programme's international reachThe 10th anniversary also provided an opportunity for Jordan Brand to expand its activities in Europe.In London, the initiative launched a new chapter through its partnership with the Hoopsfix Foundation. The collaboration will bring the Beyond Basketball programme to young basketball players in South London, offering several days of sporting and educational activities.The expansion is intended to create more opportunities for young people in a city where football has traditionally attracted greater attention than basketball. Through the partnership, Jordan Brand aims to use the popularity of basketball to encourage participation, learning and personal development.In Paris, the initiative announced a partnership with the Union de la Jeunesse Internationale. The collaboration focuses on supporting youth diaspora communities and helping the organisation increase its reach.These developments form part of a wider international network. Nike's official Jordan Wings website states that the initiative works with more than 30 partners globally to improve access to education and mentorship for disadvantaged young people.The 2025 anniversary announcement provided a more specific picture of this network, reporting that 28 community partners had worked alongside Jordan Brand and Nike employees. Together, employees had contributed more than 146,000 volunteer hours over the programme's first 10 years.A new decade brings a larger ambition for student supportCameryn Rutlin, director of purpose for Wings, said that the programme would expand into additional cities, introduce new activities and strengthen partnerships to respond to changing educational needs. The longer-term target is to empower more than 10,000 students by 2035, giving the initiative another measurable goal as it enters its second decade.The anniversary was also marked by the release of a special Wings Air Jordan 5. The shoe was designed to recognise the programme's 10 years of work and its focus on helping young people overcome barriers.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.