COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. (February 12, 2025) — Matrix Fitness has announced the recipients of their Project COURAGE scholarship awards for 2024/2025, selecting seven students and professionals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Launched in 2023, the Project COURAGE initiative empowers individuals at the 107 HBCUs to explore fitness-related fields and develop relevant skills.
The scholarship award recipients include:
• Adebamike Adekunle, Education Leadership student, Texas Southern University
• Brittany Brooks, Recreation Facility Manager, Jackson State University
• Gerald Davis, Director, Ralph H. Boston Wellness Center, Tennessee State University
• Wayne Gibbs, Director of Recreational Services, Lincoln University
• Faith Shakoor, Biology student, Texas Southern University
• Isaiah Taylor, Business Administration student, North Carolina Central University
• Braxton Upton, Exercise Science student, Central State University
Selected by the Project COURAGE Advisory Panel, scholarship recipients can use their awards for tuition, books, educational expenses, or conference attendance, depending on their specific needs. Several recipients will attend prominent industry events such as the Emerging Recreational Sports Leaders Conference (ERSL) at Howard University and the NIRSA 2025 Annual Conference, gaining valuable knowledge and networking opportunities to further their careers.
Additionally, Project COURAGE will support Sarah Ziccarelli Smith, Assistant Director for Aquatics, Fitness, and Student Training at Delaware State University, in her efforts to bridge the swim equity gap.
“At Matrix, we believe in the power of education and the transformative impact of fitness,” said Rebecca Peoples, University / College Channel Sales Manager at Matrix Fitness. ��Through Project COURAGE, we are proud to support these talented individuals as they pursue careers in the fitness and wellness industry. We are excited to see how their contributions will help shape the future of health and wellness in their communities.”
Matrix Fitness remains committed to fostering inclusion and professional development within the fitness industry. For more information about the Project COURAGE scholarship program, please visit www.ProjectCOURAGEbyMatrix.com.
About Matrix Fitness
Matrix Fitness (matrixfitness.com) is the fastest-growing commercial brand in the world and is the commercial brand of Johnson Health Tech. Matrix offers a complete portfolio of cardiovascular, group training and strength training equipment for health clubs and other fitness facilities.
About Johnson Health Tech
Johnson Health Tech, Inc. (JHT), Taiwan, is among the world’s largest and fastest-growing fitness equipment manufacturers and is home to some of the most respected brands in the fitness industry, including Matrix, Vision and Horizon. The company manufactures a wide assortment of fitness equipment for both commercial and residential use, including treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes and strength training equipment. JHT’s global management headquarters is based in Taichung, Taiwan, with global product development, marketing and engineering based in Cottage Grove, Wis.
