The Oklahoma Eagle Newswire
On Friday, February 7, 2020 at Booker T. Washington High School, native Tulsan and Seattle Seahawk wide receiver Tyler Lockett launched his National “I KNOW I CAN” Job Shadowing Program. Twelve (12) students were selected from six local high schools (McLain, Booker T. Washington, Memorial, Central, Daniel Webster, and Will Rogers College High School) to participate in the program. The selection process involved essays submitted to Tyler on different subject matters.
Powered by his “Light It Up Foundation”, Lockett launched a national movement to expose diverse youth to corporate environments as they prepare to grow into successful careers. His vision for the “I KNOW I CAN” campaign includes a job shadowing program where high school students will spend two days with employees in leadership positions at Fortune 500 companies such as Verizon, CenturyLink and Pizza Hut.
Due to COVID-19, the program was cancelled in 2020 because of safety concerns. Students were not allowed the opportunity to participate in the program and be exposed to the corporate environment as they continue to grow and expand their futures.
With a great deal of thought and careful consideration, Tyler has decided to implement a Light It Up Foundation Scholarship Program for 2021 only.
Upon qualifying, being accepted, and enrolling in an Accredited College or University, Tyler is committing to offering $10,000 scholarships to eight (8) seniors in 2021 and four (4) juniors in 2022. Because the juniors are receiving this one-time scholarship, they will not be allowed to participate in the 2022 Job Shadowing Program.
Tyler hopes the scholarships will help provide opportunities for students to go to college, get an education, and become productive citizens in the community.
“The logistics and implementation of the scholarships will be decided later in the summer. The $10,000 scholarship will be directed toward all qualifying college expenses (tuition, room & board, books, and meals).
The Job Shadowing “I KNOW I CAN” Program will continue in the original form in 20