Stephen A. Smith Backs New HBCU Sports Scholarship Honoring Winston-Salem State Roots

Stephen A. Smith, the ESPN personality and proud Winston-Salem State University alumnus, continues to expand his commitment to HBCUs by lending his name to a new sports scholarship that will help the next generation of student-athletes.

The HBCU Week Foundation will launch its 2026 scholarship application cycle on Friday, Sept. 18, during its annual College Fair in Wilmington, Delaware. Among the opportunities available is the HBCU Week Sports Scholarship powered by Robert O. Wright III and Smith, designed to support future HBCU student-athletes academically, athletically and professionally.

A Commitment Rooted in Gratitude

Smith’s connection to the HBCU Week Foundation runs deep. The media personality has served as an ambassador since 2019 and has repeatedly credited his experience at Winston-Salem State with shaping his successful career.

I wouldn’t be where I am today were it not for an HBCU.

Smith said WSSU provided him with an extended family and a community that took a personal interest in his success. He has also tied his HBCU advocacy to legendary Winston-Salem State basketball coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines, who coached Smith during his time at the university.

Smith previously recalled asking Gaines how he could repay him for what he had done for him.

HBCU Week’s Growing Impact

The numbers behind HBCU Week have grown substantially since Smith became an ambassador. The foundation says its College Fair has produced more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and nearly 6,000 scholarship offers totaling more than $109 million since the organization began its work.

Smith has continued talking publicly about that mission even as his media footprint has expanded and criticism of his views have grown. “It’s not going to stop me from continuing to be the ambassador for HBCU Week,” Smith said in August after being called out by the NABJ. He discussed his plans to create more HBCU opportunities through his media company.

The new sports scholarship adds another piece to that effort. Applications for the foundation’s 2026 scholarship cycle are scheduled to open Sept. 18, providing yet another avenue for HBCU student-athletes to pursue their educational and athletic dreams with financial support.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.