Purpose Over Profit: BYU’s Corporate Sponsorship Team Provides Over 5,000 Scholarships for Aspiring Youth Athletes
In a powerful move that puts mission ahead of money, Brigham Young University’s Corporate Sponsorship Team has announced the launch of a groundbreaking initiative — over 5,000 scholarships for youth aspiring to careers in basketball and the NFL. Titled “Purpose Over Profit,” the program is designed to create real access and opportunity for underserved athletes nationwide, reaffirming BYU’s commitment to both excellence and equity in sports.
The initiative, backed by a coalition of corporate sponsors, donors, and alumni, will provide full-ride scholarships to training camps, prep academies, mentorship programs, and early college exposure for athletes from under-resourced communities. The goal: to give promising young talent not only the skills, but also the support and belief they need to reach the next level.
“We’re not just investing in athletes,” said BYU’s Director of Corporate Partnerships, Lindsay Mahoney. “We’re investing in futures — in character, in leadership, and in the belief that every kid deserves a shot, regardless of zip code.”
The scholarship program was born from a series of conversations between former BYU athletes, corporate executives, and community leaders who recognized the barriers many youth face in pursuing elite-level athletics. From training costs to lack of exposure, the challenges can be overwhelming — especially for Black and minority athletes in urban and rural communities.
Among the first recipients is 15-year-old Davon Riley from Detroit, Michigan, a rising star on the basketball court who had never traveled outside his city. “This changes everything,” Riley said. “I used to just watch guys on YouTube and dream. Now, I get to be one of them. BYU believed in me.”
The “Purpose Over Profit” model is gaining national attention for its holistic approach. Each scholarship comes with access to academic tutoring, nutrition and mental health resources, and life skills workshops taught by former pro athletes. The program also promotes a culture of giving back — scholarship recipients are encouraged to return to their hometowns as mentors once they graduate.
“This is bigger than BYU,” said Head Football Coach Kalani Sitake. “It’s about doing the right thing and setting the standard for what sports and education should be. We’re building leaders, not just players.”
With over 5,000 scholarships already funded and more partnerships on the horizon, BYU’s message is loud and clear: purpose is the new power play.
