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ABOUT THE JERILYN JONES SCHOLARSHIP

The Jerilyn Jones Scholarship honors the legacy of Jerilyn Jones by creating access, connection, and opportunity for early-career Black and African-American women in the sports industry. Inspired by Jerilyn's own experience finding belonging, mentorship, and community through WISE LA, this scholarship helps emerging professionals build meaningful relationships, confidence, and career momentum within the LA sports industry.

WHAT IT INCLUDES

This year, two scholarships across WISE LA will be awarded. Each recipient will receive:

• One-year WISE LA professional membership
• Complimentary admission to all WISE LA events during the membership year
• Guaranteed placement in the WISE Within Mentorship Program
• One informational interview with a sports industry executive
• One informational interview with a WISE LA Board Member of their choice
• Recognition during the Women of Inspiration event and/or other WISE LA platforms

ELIGIBILITY AND APPLICATION CRITERIA

Applications are now open. For consideration, candidates must:

• Identify as a Black or African-American woman
• Have 1–5 years of experience working in the sports industry
• Reside in Southern California and be able to attend at minimum 4 WISE events during their scholarship year
  • Must be able to attend the 2026 Women of Inspiration event, which will take place on a weeknight this November
• Submit a current resume
• Submit a 150-word personal statement explaining how the Jerilyn Jones Scholarship would support their career journey and growth within the sports industry
• Submit a 150-word statement on how they hope to use the support, relationships, and experiences gained through this scholarship to help other WISE members and women throughout their career.

Apply Here. If you have any questions, please email memberprograms@wiselosangeles.org. Deadline to apply is September 18th. 

SPECIAL WINNER PERK

PAST WINNERS

Past winners include:

• Diamond Chestnut
• Gabrielle Clark
• Kelsea Lange