Ravens owner donates $4 million to MD's HBCU’s to create scholarships for Baltimore City graduates

BALTIMORE, MD (WEAA) — Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Biscotti and his wife, Renee Biscotti are honoring Ozzie Newsome —the team’s longtime executive and first Black general manager in NFL history — by donating $4 million to Maryland’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). 

The $4 million donation will create the Ozzie Newsome Scholars Program, which will fund scholarships for Baltimore City Public School graduates over the course of 4 years. 

“Steve and Renee Bisciotti recognize the transformative impact of Maryland's Historically Black Colleges and Universities and are graciously paving a path for Baltimore City Public Schools graduates to take part in the legacy. Thanks to the Bisciotti Family and trusted support from CollegeBound, the Ozzie Newsome Scholars program will make the HBCU experience a reality for dozens of BCPS students by alleviating the hefty burden of college tuition and offering essential mentorship to ensure academic success”, said Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott. 

Morgan State University, Coppin State University, Bowie State University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore will each recieve a gift of $1 million.

Dr. David Wilson, President of Morgan State University said, “ Steve and Renee Biscotti are no strangers to investing in the great city of Baltimore and advocating for its boundless potential — for these reasons and many more, I have long admired their philanthropic commitment to programs and initiatives that empower Baltimore City youth to realize their full potential. This investment, by way of the establishment of the Ozzie Newsome Scholars Program, will enable promising students from Baltimore City high schools with an opportunity to come to our National Treasure, Morgan State University to gain the tools that they need in order to dance on the world stage with anyone. We look forward to welcoming them to our beautiful campus and preparing them to be the leaders that they are destined to be”.

Each spring, the HBCUs will select five graduates as Ozzie Newsome Scholars for its incoming freshman class. 

The students will then receive an annual college scholarship of $10,000 for up to five years of college. 

The selected students will also participate in the CollegeBound Foundation’s College Completion Program. 

Through this program, the scholars will be guided by an advisor, work with a peer mentor and join other Baltimore City Public School graduates in an overnight “transition to college” workshop and will also participate in skill-building seminars. 

"I am humbled and honored that Steve and Renee Bisciotti chose to associate my name with this tremendously important scholarship. This program will give many local graduates the ability to continue their education, and in turn will equip them with the necessary tools to make meaningful impact in the Baltimore community and beyond. These students will further their education through Maryland's Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which is especially meaningful to me. I look forward to watching the progress made through this scholarship program”, said Ozzie Newsome, Baltimore Ravens Executive Vice President.