Ex-Knick Rose to hand out 400G in scholarships

Derrick Rose is following LeBron James’ lead and is handing out over $400,000 in college scholarships.

The former Knick announced the program Wednesday, dubbed “Rose Scholars,” and is seeking applications for three winners. The grand prize winner gets up to $200,000, paid out $25,000 per semester for four years. The two other winners get a total of $20,000 each.

The program will run for at least two years and could expand, according to a spokesperson for Rose’s agency, Wasserman Media Group.

“Through The Rose Scholars program, I hope to provide students a path to college that was not previously available to them,” Rose said in a statement. “Investing in school-age youth has long been a passion of mine, and I am proud to continue to help children pursue higher education as a means to better themselves and their communities.”

The program is designed to reward students who are “civically minded and demonstrate a willingness to lead,” according to the press release. Applicants must write an essay and demonstrate their leadership traits by posting an example to their social media accounts by Sept. 30. Winners will be announced Oct. 15.

Rose’s announcement comes on the heels of James opening a public school in Akron, Ohio, with promises of college scholarship to every student who completes the program. Four years ago, Rose donated $1 million to a Chicago charity that arranges outof-school apprenticeships for teens.

In 2013, the point guard offered to pay for the funeral of a 6-month-old who was killed in a shooting.

Rose is playing next season in Minnesota on his second consecutive minimum contract, as injuries derailed a career that started with him being the youngest MVP in NBA history. The wheels were already coming off when he was traded to the Knicks for the 2016-17 season, which ended with a torn meniscus in his knee.