The Rangers were named the recipient of the 2018 Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence by Major League Baseball on Thursday at the quarterly Owners Meetings in Atlanta.
The honor recognizes the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation's efforts to support Arlington youth through the Texas Rangers Richard Greene Scholars program -- named after the former mayor of Arlington who led the campaign to keep the Rangers there and construct Globe Life Park. As part of this recognition, the foundation will receive a $10,000 grant from Major League Baseball Charities.
In its 22nd year of operation, the Richard Greene Scholars program has provided more than $1.2 million in college scholarships to 126 Arlington high school students. Not only does the program give financial aid, but it also has become a cornerstone leadership development program in Arlington by engaging recipients with local civic and business communities.
Local leaders and organizations collaborate to operate the program, including the Arlington Independent School District, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the City of Arlington, the Rangers, the Rangers Baseball Foundation and several other civic partners.
"Major League Baseball congratulates the entire Texas Rangers organization for this well-deserved recognition of the Richard Greene Scholars program," said Commissioner Rob Manfred. "This unique initiative distinguished itself for its emphasis on mentorship, career opportunities and close ties to the Arlington community. The investment into the future of Arlington high school students by the Rangers and local city leadership has resulted in notable professional and collegiate careers by the Scholars."
What's more, Richard Greene Scholars participate in a rigorous local internship program, and they are mentored by leaders within the Arlington community. Scholars are placed in meaningful internships, consisting of six-week cycles at the following local organizations: the City of Arlington, Mission Arlington, the AISD administrative office, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the University of Texas-Arlington, the Living Science Center at River Legacy Parks and the Rangers.
The program also features individual progress-report monitoring with assigned mentors, who are recruited from local business and other community leaders to track the scholars' progress, beginning in their high school senior year and continuing throughout their college careers.
Many of the scholars, including those who are first-generation Americans, are the first in their families to attend college. Mentors, as well as members of the Rangers' staff, help navigate the potential challenges and concerns of campus life, including working with financial aid offices and other day-to-day issues. Mayor Greene and his wife, Sylvia, also work directly with each scholar and continue to mentor beyond graduation.
Texas Rangers Richard Greene Scholars have attended universities throughout Texas and the U.S., including top institutions like Harvard, Brown, Stanford and Columbia. Scholars have established notable professional careers in a variety of fields, including the military, medicine, law and engineering.
"The Texas Rangers are humbled to receive the Allan H. Selig Award for Philanthropic Excellence," said co-chairman and managing partner Ray Davis. "There is no higher honor than to be recognized for community service. The mission of the Texas Rangers Foundation is 'A Heart for Kids,' and the Richard Greene Scholars program has epitomized that goal for more than 20 years. The efforts of Richard Greene and so many others have given more than 125 Arlington high school students the opportunity to further their educations and go on to become leaders in all walks of life. On behalf of the Texas Rangers entire organization, I want to thank Major League Baseball for this recognition."