HearStrong and the NFL Players Association’s Professional Athletes Foundation have selected their 2021 student-athlete scholarship recipients. The NFLPA and HearStrong have teamed up to offer this scholarship and tackle issues surrounding hearing loss together for the past six years. This year, two outstanding student-athletes received a $2,500 scholarship to support their respective college educations.

HearStrong was founded in 2013 with a vision to radically change the general public’s perception of hearing loss and hearing aids. By telling the stories of remarkable people with hearing loss and celebrating them as Champions, the organization empowers the millions of Americans with untreated hearing loss to take action. HearStrong also strives to make a difference by providing hearing devices to individuals in need.

The two scholarship recipients completed an application and essay. Each scholar was selected after displaying remarkable academic and athlete achievement despite having a hearing loss. The recipients are Andre Bradford and Sophia Wozniak. These two incredible individuals have never let their hearing loss hold them back from anything they set their minds to.

Andre is a dedicated athlete from Minneapolis, MN, who brings incredible energy to the football field. He was diagnosed with hearing loss in kindergarten and has worn hearing aids ever since. Andre plans to attend Hennepin Technical College in the fall as a mechanical engineering major.

“I am the first in my family to graduate from high school and go to college, so this scholarship will help out not only me as a person, but it will give my family hope,” said Andre.

Sophia is a confident and resilient tennis player from St. Clair Shores, MI. Sophia has worn hearing devices since she was diagnosed with hearing loss at birth. Sophia plans to attend Rochester Institute of Technology in the fall to study neuropsychology.

“With this scholarship, I will be able to put my best foot forward in achieving my career goals,” said Sophia. “My current goal is to be a Neuropsychologist to help people in their search for mental stability and freedom. This scholarship will help me be a step closer to contributing to the advancement of mental health.”

To learn more about HearStrong’s programs and how you can get involved with the organization, contact info@hearstrong.org today.

About the HearStrong Foundation:

HearStrong was founded in 2013 to inspire a mass hearing healthcare awareness movement. An estimated 48 million Americans experience hearing loss. In response to this need, HearStrong began recognizing and sharing the stories of remarkable people with hearing loss. Today, HearStrong’s efforts have expanded, and the organization partners with hearing healthcare professionals across the country to give people of all ages access to hearing health services.

 

About the NFLPA’s Professional Athletes Foundation:

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) is a non-profit, professional sports union that protects the best interests and welfare of all NFL players. It serves as the exclusive bargaining agent for all NFL players in collective bargaining. Established in 1965, the NFLPA has a long history of assuring proper recognition and representation of player’s interests. The NFLPA is governed by a Board of Player Representatives, acting in accordance with the NFLPA Constitution and federal labor laws.