20 SoCal student-athletes receive grants in honor of Gianna Bryant's 20th birthday

LOS ANGELES -- Friday would have been Gianna Bryant's 20th birthday, and her legacy is being honored through a new round of educational grants awarded to student-athletes.

Twenty student-athletes from Los Angeles and Orange counties received grants intended to support their educational futures. They were administered in partnership with the California Community Foundation and local Boys & Girls Club affiliates.

The awards were announced by the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.

"Congratulations to all of our 2026 Scholars!" read an Instagram post shared by the Mambacita Sports Foundation. "We are deeply honored to invest in your future."

"And to our Gigi, Happy 20th Birthday! Your vision, your spirit, and your beautiful heart continue to light the way."

In total, the foundation gave away half a million dollars in grant funding. According to the foundation, the recipients were chosen because they are resilient athletes who embrace teamwork and family values.