Patrick Mahomes and the 15 And The Mahomies Foundation are awarding scholarships for 15 incoming college freshmen in the Kansas City, Lubbock and Tyler communities. It’ll be $10,000 per recipient, totaling $150,000 altogether!
The Kansas City summer sun glinted off the glass towers downtown as Patrick Mahomes stepped up to the podium, his familiar grin lighting up the room. Cameras flashed, local reporters leaned forward, and a quiet anticipation filled the air. Seated before him were fifteen high school seniors—each with their own story, each on the cusp of something new.
This was more than just another press conference. Today, the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation was about to change lives.
Patrick glanced down at the names on his list. Some he recognized from essays he’d read, others from interviews and community recommendations. Each name represented a dream, a family, a community. Each name, a story of perseverance.
He took a breath, remembering his own journey. Tyler, Texas, where he’d grown up as the son of a major league pitcher and a hard-working mother. Lubbock, where Texas Tech had become his launchpad. And now, Kansas City—a city that embraced him not just as a quarterback, but as a neighbor, a friend, a role model.
He cleared his throat and began. “When I was a kid, I dreamed of playing sports at the highest level. But my parents always told me, ‘Patrick, your education matters just as much as anything you do on the field.’ That stuck with me. I know that not every kid has the same opportunities, but I believe every kid should have the chance to chase their dreams.”
He looked out at the students, their eyes wide, some nervous, some beaming with excitement. Their families sat behind them, hands clasped, tears already glinting in a few eyes.
“Today,” Patrick continued, “we’re making an investment—not just in your education, but in your future, in your families, and in the communities you call home.”
He paused as the applause swelled. He could see the pride in the parents’ faces, the hope in the students’ eyes. He remembered the hours he’d spent with the Foundation’s board, reading applications from Kansas City, Lubbock, and Tyler. The stories of kids who worked two jobs to help their families, who tutored younger siblings, who volunteered on weekends, who dreamed of being doctors, teachers, engineers, and entrepreneurs.
The 15 and the Mahomies Foundation had always been about more than football. It was about giving back, about lifting others. Today, they were awarding $10,000 scholarships to fifteen incoming college freshmen—$150,000 in total. For some, it would mean the difference between attending college or staying home. For others, it meant freedom from crushing student loans, or the ability to focus on studies instead of juggling multiple jobs.
Patrick gestured for the first student to come forward. “Ava Martinez,” he called. A shy girl from Kansas City, Ava had written about her dream of becoming a nurse after losing her grandmother to cancer. She wanted to work at Children’s Mercy Hospital, the very place Patrick had supported for years.
Ava stood, trembling, as Patrick handed her an oversized check and pulled her into a quick hug. Cameras flashed. Her mother wiped away tears.
Next was Marcus Green from Lubbock, whose essay had described growing up in a single-parent household, helping his younger siblings with homework while his mother worked nights. He wanted to study engineering and build bridges—literal and metaphorical—for his community.
One by one, the students came forward. There was Jasmine Lee, a future educator from Tyler, who had started a literacy program at her church. David Tran, an aspiring scientist from Kansas City, who had built a robot out of recycled parts for his school’s STEM club. Each story unique, each journey remarkable.
As the ceremony continued, Patrick felt a swell of pride and humility. He knew firsthand how a community’s belief in you could make all the difference. He remembered the coaches who encouraged him, the teachers who stayed late to help, the neighbors who cheered him on even when the scoreboard didn’t.
He looked at the students and saw not just recipients, but future leaders. “You all have worked so hard to get here,” he said. “But this is just the beginning. College is a new chapter. There will be challenges, setbacks, and days you want to give up. But remember—you have a whole community behind you, rooting for you. And when you succeed, come back and lift someone else up.”
After the ceremony, the students mingled with Patrick and the Foundation team. Some clutched their checks, still in disbelief. Others posed for photos with Patrick, their families crowding in, laughter and relief mingling in the air.
Ava found herself standing beside Patrick, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you, Mr. Mahomes. I never thought I’d get to go to college. My mom… she works so hard. This means everything.”
Patrick smiled. “It’s Patrick, okay? And you’re going to do amazing things, Ava. Just keep working hard and never stop believing in yourself.”
Nearby, Marcus was already talking to a Foundation mentor about internships. Jasmine was making plans with another scholarship recipient to start a tutoring club at their future university.
As the sun dipped lower, Patrick stood back and watched the room. He saw hope, excitement, and possibility. He saw the ripple effect—how one opportunity could change not just a student, but a family, a neighborhood, a city.
He thought about his own journey, about the people who had lifted him, the doors that had opened because someone believed. He knew that football was just one part of his legacy. This—helping young people chase their dreams—was another.
Before leaving, Patrick gathered the students for a final photo. “Fifteen strong,” he said, holding up his hand. “But this is just the start. You’re part of the Mahomies family now. Go out there and make us proud.”
As the students cheered and the cameras clicked, Patrick Mahomes knew that the real victory wasn’t measured in touchdowns or trophies, but in the futures he helped create—fifteen at a time, and countless more to come.
Patrick Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies Foundation announces scholarships for Tyler-area students
Mahomes announced that alongside Bold.org he has created the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Scholarship Program to support outstanding Class of 2025 students.
WHITEHOUSE, Texas — Five Tyler-area students will have the opportunity to earn a $10,000 scholarship from Whitehouse native and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies Foundation.
Earlier this month, Mahomes announced that alongside Bold.org he has created the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Scholarship Program to support outstanding Class of 2025 students in the Kansas City area, the Tyler area and the Lubbock area.
Five students from each of the three areas will receive $10,000 in a scholarship for a total of $150,000 in awards to the Class of 2025.
“Giving back to the communities that have shaped me has always been incredibly important,” Mahomes said. “Through the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, we want to support the next generation of leaders and difference-makers. These scholarships are about lifting students up and showing them that their dreams are within reach.”
Each of the selected areas were picked based on Mahomes’ hometown, his college alma mater and where he calls home now as quarterback for the Chiefs.
Mahomes, who was born in Tyler, lived in Whitehouse and graduated from its high school in 2014. He attended and played football for Texas Tech in Lubbock.
The foundation was founded in 2019 to help improve the lives of children and young adults.
“This scholarship is about honoring Patrick’s journey and empowering students across these three communities with the tools to chase their dreams,” said Tori Meglio, vice president of donors at Bold.org. “We’re proud to partner with Patrick and his 15 and the Mahomies Foundation to support young leaders as they continue their educational and personal growth.”
Those interesting in applying must submit a 300 to 500 word essay that details their personal story, passions, future goals and any significant obstacles they have overcame.
