Miami Dolphins Look To Draft More Community Programs

MIAMI, FL — You may never have what it takes to be a starter on the Miami Dolphins, but you may make the squad in another way if you have a social justice play in mind or if you are a deserving high school student who wants to make a difference in your community.

The team is now accepting applications for its new social justice grant program and its college tuition-paid Project Change scholarship.

“When we launched these programs last November, the goal was to identify and recognize groups focused on community engagement, education and justice reform," Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President for Community Affairs Jason Jenkins told Patch. "It was important to Stephen Ross, our players and members of the organization to use sports as a way to drive social progress and make substantial change in our community.”

The Dolphins organization in November announced it would earmark funds for a social justice grant program to impact organizations in need that are involved in community engagement, education or justice reform, according to the team. The grant program is guided by an advisory committee made up of players and staff.

The scholarship program will identify one deserving high school student each year and then pay their full college tuition over a four-year period. Applications for both the social justice grant program and Project Change Scholarship are due February 28 and can be submitted by clicking here.

"The goal of the scholarship is to target students to impact their lives, so they can make a change in their community. To be eligible for the Project Change Scholarship, students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and complete at least 40 hours of community service a semester in social just programs," according to the team.

Students interested in applying must write an essay on what change they want to see in the community and how the scholarship will achieve that change. Acceptance into a community college or university
is also required.

While a departure from the team's primary focus, the Dolphins have always been involved in community projects. The social justice initiative followed persistent attacks by President Trump against NFL players who have taken a knee during the "National Anthem."

The Miami Dolphins recently became the first NFL squad where every team member had registered to vote. The registration drive kicked off with a pre-season visit from Martin Luther King III and Bill Wachtel of the Drum Major Institute, which is devoted to carrying on the legacy of the slain civil rights leader.

In addition to providing financial support, the Dolphins also are making a press to highlight groups and organizations in South Florida during home games.

During the 2017-18 season, the Dolphins and its players supported the following social justice programs:

• Social Justice Grant Program

The Dolphins earmarked funds for a grant program to impact organizations in need that are involved in community engagement, education or justice reform.

• Project Change Scholarship

The team planned to identify deserving high school students as mentioned above. "The goal is to target students to change their lives, so they can make a change in their community," the team said. "Criteria includes participation in programs that positively impact community engagement, education or justice reform along with an essay on how they want to positively impact the community."

• Police Athletic League of North Miami

Players and law enforcement discussed collaborating on joint programs during a ride along event and community policing with the North Miami Police Department and Broward Sherriff's Office. "As a result of these productive conversations, the team will sponsor The Police Athletic League of North Miami's (PAL of North Miami) whose mission is to cultivate partnership between parents, schools and the community," the team said last year.

• 5000 Role Models and Miami Dolphins Police and Youth Conference

The Miami Dolphins partnered with the 5000 Role Models Excellence Project to sponsor a conference at Hard Rock Stadium designed to promote positive interaction between youth and law enforcement.

• RISE Leadership Programs

The RISE Leadership Program is designed to empower sports administrators, coaches and athletes to be leaders in discussing and addressing matters of racism, prejudice, diversity and inclusivity within their teams, schools and communities. "During the 10-week program, high school participants learn about the history of race and sports, the power of sports to drive change and how they can become leaders in improving race relations," according to the team. The Dolphins have already arranged programs at Booker T. Washington, Cooper City and Hollywood Hills.

• CommUNITY Tailgate

Dolphins players hosted community leaders, youth, coaches and law enforcement officials in special tailgates prior to each home game with the goal of continuing dialogue between community members and fostering relationships. The CommUNITY Tailgate initiative stems from a solution-oriented town hall that was hosted in fall 2016 by the Dolphins and RISE during which players and local leaders discussed actionable steps that could be taken to address issues of racial inequality and unite the community. This marked the second season of tailgates at Dolphins home games.

• Unity Day

During the Dolphins and RISE player-funded tailgate vs. the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 31, the team hosted a town hall meeting featuring community leaders, law enforcement and educators with a shared goal of improving race relations and bringing people together under the unifying values of sports. "Founded and created by Ross in October 2015, RISE harnesses the unifying power of sports to improve race relations and drive social progress," according to the team. "Since its founding, RISE programs have reached more than 30,000 students, coaches and athletic staff at the high school, collegiate and professional level." For more information about RISE, visit risetowin.org.

Image courtesy Miami Dolphins