TULSA, Okla., Sept. 26, 2024 – For the fourth year, the Thunder Fellows has selected 28 Black high school and college students for its 2024-25 program in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District.
Founded by the Oklahoma City Thunder and CAA Sports, a division of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Thunder Fellows is designed to unlock new opportunities in sports, technology, and entertainment for Black students in the Tulsa area.
High school Fellows are: Jayla Nealy, senior at Bishop Kelly; Gabby Adelou, senior at Bixby; Isaiah Samuels and KyLiin Johnson-Cooper, juniors at Booker T. Washington; Rodney Watkins, senior at Cascia Hall; Zion Boone, J’Shon Mason, and Josiah Shaw, juniors at Crossover Prep; Cheyenne Tucker and Jae Powell, seniors at Edison; Alanis Morales, junior at Jenks; Javan McCaskill, senior at McLain; Jamal Olaonipekun, junior at Nathan Hale; Taven Webber and Donovan Coleman, seniors at Nathan Hale; Eric Johnson, junior at Owasso; Charles Jones and Cat Connolly, seniors at Riverfield Country Day; Erin Scott, senior at Tulsa School of Arts and Sciences; Khnari Daniels, junior at Union; and Kendrick Tolon, junior at Will Rogers.
College-level Fellows include: Joseph Dickson, sophomore at Langston University; Jamar Donaldson, senior at Langston University; Tyla Wilson, senior at Northeastern State University; Ikia Cheek and Florinda Tembe, sophomores at Oral Roberts University; Joel-Michael Fontus, senior at Oral Roberts University; and Ben Kwadu, senior at University of Central Oklahoma.
During the 30-week program, students get an in-depth look at a variety of disciplines within Thunder business and basketball operations. Fellows will learn a combination of data science and coding fundamentals, work on interactive, real-world projects and receive professional coaching from industry leaders nationwide.
Throughout the 30-week program, Fellows will develop future-proof skills including data science, coding fundamentals, effective communication, networking, financial literacy, and college and career readiness. Participants will apply this knowledge through interactive real-world projects, one-of-a-kind experiences, and professional coaching from industry professionals across the country – including the OKC Thunder’s business and basketball operations.
"This new class of Fellows is a reflection of our program’s evolution and ambition," said Cedric Ikpo, Thunder Fellows executive director. "With their potential and our growing support system, we’re poised to redefine what Thunder Fellows can accomplish."
Local and national corporate partners include Google, Devon Energy, MidFirst Bank, Post Oak Automotive, NBA, Langston University, and the University of Tulsa.