Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

BNP Paribas, a global leader in supporting both amateur and professional tennis, has announced the creation of annual scholarships that will be awarded to one female and male tennis player from a local high school, and be presented at the BNP Paribas Open, the largest WTA and ATP World Tour combined two-week event in the world. The inaugural recipients – Brianda Beltran and Miguel Alvarez – are from Coachella Valley High School, and will each receive a one-year, $15,000 college scholarship.

“BNP Paribas is thrilled to present these two outstanding students with these scholarships,” said Jean Yves-Fillion, CEO of BNP Paribas North America. “Miguel and Brianda have shown incredible dedication to both their education and the sport of tennis, and we are proud to help them as they take the next steps in what are sure to be very bright futures.”

Beltran, who first began playing tennis as a junior in high school, hopes to attend the University of California, Irvine in the fall as a psychology major. Her goal is to bring open-mindedness and diversity to the local Coachella Valley community. Beltran hopes to complete her undergraduate degree at UC-Irvine, earn a master’s degree and become a social worker in the Valley.

Alvarez served as Junior Class President at Coachella Valley High School and founded his school’s chapter of National Honor Society, in addition to his role on the tennis team. He hopes to attend the University of Southern California in the fall and enroll in the World Bachelor of Business Program. Alvarez plans to one day own a business and give back to others in the Valley communities.

In recognition of their achievements, Beltran and Alvarez will be honored on court this Saturday at the BNP Paribas Open.

“These scholarships are a great example of BNP Paribas’ using their involvement with the tournament to have a positive influence on the broader community in the Coachella Valley,” said Moore. “We are sure that these generous scholarships will help Brianda and Miguel to fulfill their future goals, as well as many deserving recipients in years to come.”

Over and above BNP Paribas’ partnerships at all levels of the game, BNP Paribas’ commitment to the sport of tennis is also reflected in a wide range of social and education activities across the tennis world, including the “We are Tennis Solidaire” program, and closer to home, as sponsor of the CityParks Tennis program in New York. Beyond the sphere of tennis, BNP Paribas has been engaged in major philanthropy initiatives for 30 years through its Foundation, focusing its activities on three main areas: the Arts, Social Inclusion and the Environment – giving over 40m Euros a year.

Copyright © 2016. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.