Major League Baseball has awarded college scholarships, each valued at $5,000 per year, to 12 college freshmen who are alumni of the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program, the youth baseball and softball initiative administered by MLB to serve young people, especially those from underserved communities.
The recipients are receiving the grants through the "RBI for RBI" Scholarship Fund, created in 2008 to provide financial support for college-bound student-athletes based on academic record, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community activities, and financial need. Since its inception, the "RBI for RBI" Scholarship Fund has awarded more than 130 college scholarships to RBI participants from 37 programs.
"Academic and character development has been at the forefront of all our baseball and softball programming," said Tony Reagins, Executive Vice President of Baseball & Softball Development, Major League Baseball. "We are incredibly proud of all these young scholars who have excelled inside and outside of the classrooms and have become leaders in their respective communities. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth of these individuals, as well as to continue to reward future players for their commitment academic success and positive community involvement."  
The "RBI for RBI "scholarships provide each recipient the opportunity to pursue any field of study at a two-year college, four-year college, university or vocational school in the United States or Puerto Rico. The scholarships may be renewed for up to three years or until the award recipient has earned his or her training certificate, associate degree or bachelor's degree.
Information on the 2018 "RBI for RBI" Scholarship recipients is listed below:
•    Nicholas De Leon, RBI Cubs League (Chicago, Ill.): Nicholas, who is currently attending Northern Illinois University, was a member of the Cubs RBI program for three consecutive years. Named his team's MVP, Nicholas has also demonstrated incredible commitment to extracurricular activities and his community, including being a member of the Whitney Young Latinos Unidos and Japanese Clubs as well as volunteering at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
•    Jalen Chisolm, DREAM RBI (Harlem, N.Y.): Jalen is currently studying Biology at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, where she is a member of their Division I softball team. Jalen served as co-captain of her high school softball team and was named Most Valuable Player during her freshman season. A dedicated member of her community, Jalen volunteered at New York City's 25th percent - where she was the recipient of the Community Service and Advocate awards. The college freshman was also a first- and second-string violinist for her high school's orchestra. 
•    Heaven Torres, DREAM RBI (Harlem, N.Y.): After securing a 3.3 GPA in high school, Heaven is studying Theater and Early Childhood Education at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz. Off the field, Heaven was a member of her high school Drama Club and volunteered at the New Jewish Nursing Home for two years. Torres, who was a two-sport athlete, will be a member of SUNY New Paltz's varsity softball team. 
•    Isaac Yearwood, DREAM RBI (Harlem, N.Y.): Isaac finished high school with a 4.0 GPA and is currently studying Ethics, Politics and Economics at Yale University. Isaac was Co-President of his high school's Drama Club and participated in the "Summer Institute for the Gifted" program, serving as the student keynote speaker at Princeton in 2016 and 2017. Isaac also played football in high school, earning honors as Bronx News 12's Student-Athlete of the Year and the A Division Championship Offensive MVP.
•    Felicia Drake, Houston Astros RBI (Houston, Texas): Felicia is pursuing her dream of becoming a professional pilot while studying Aviation at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Felicia carried a 4.2 GPA in high school while serving as captain of her softball team and volunteering at a variety of organizations, including Special Olympics, Best Buddies and Houston Food Banks.
•    Antonio Rivera, Houston Astros RBI (Houston, Texas): Antonio is currently studying Animal Science at Texas A&M University - Kingsville. In high school, Antonio was a member of the National Honor Society and served as captain of his school's baseball team for three years. The college freshman, who was a member of the Houston RBI program for four years, will be playing collegiate baseball at Texas A&M University - Kingsville. 
•    Leonard Walker, Houston Astros RBI (Houston, Texas): Leonard, who carried a 5.27 GPA in high school, is pursuing his dream of playing collegiate baseball and studying Mechanical Engineering at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. In high school, Leonard held leadership positions on a variety of clubs and organizations including National Honor Society, the Hightower Hurricane Marching Band, the Red Cross for America and the Key Club. Leonard also served as the Captain of his high school baseball team, being recognized as the "Most Hardworking and Improved Player."
•    Karina Londono, Miami Marlins RBI (Miami, Fla.): Karina is currently majoring in Sports Medicine at ASA College, where she will be a member of the school's softball team. A dedicated member of the Miami Marlins RBI program for four years, Karina was awarded Most Valuable Player of her team.
•    Brian Williams, Miami Marlins RBI (Miami, Fla.): Brian is studying Biological Engineering and playing Division III baseball at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In high school, Brian, who carried a 5.00 GPA, exhibited a great deal of leadership skills while in high school, including serving as captain of his high school baseball team, President of Mu Alpha Theta, Senior Class Director of the Miramar High Key Club and a member of the National Honor Society. Brian was a member of the Miami Marlins RBI program for four years.
•    Layla Chaparro, Newark RBI (Newark, N.J.): A dedicated member of the Newark RBI Program for five years, Layla is attending Rutgers University after securing a 3.59 GPA during high school. Layla was a multi-sport athlete during high school, playing multiple varsity sports such as softball, volleyball and bowling. The student-athlete was selected to participate in the Softball Breakthrough Series, operated by MLB and USA Softball. Off the field, she was recognized for her academic success by being selected to her school's Honor Roll.
•    Jadyn Clark, Rays RBI Tampa (Tampa, Fla.): Jaydn is currently studying Business at South Florida State College in Avon Park, Fla, where she is also a member of the school's varsity softball team. Her past leadership experiences include serving as captain of her high school's softball team, a member of the Business and Financing program, a member of her school's Student Government Organization and the President of Hospitality of DECA -- a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving emerging student leaders around the globe. 
•    Rayna Davis, Rays RBI Tampa (Tampa, Fla.): Rayna is pursuing her dream of becoming a psychologist at Spoon River College, where she will also be a member of the school's softball team. A member of the Rays RBI Tampa program for three years, Rayna was recognized as 1st Team-All District in 2014, 2015 and 2017 and was named team Most Valuable Player in 2017. Also during her time in high school, Rayna was a member of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America organization for three years.