Alabama women’s basketball player wins $20,000 CFP/Dr. Pepper tuition grant

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - An Alabama student-athlete was awarded a tuition grant through the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation’s Go Teach initiative and Dr. Pepper.

The initiative is a collective effort to award $1.5 million in tuition over the next six-years to support student athletes looking to become teachers.

Ariyah Copeland, an Alabama basketball player, was one of five grand prize winners presented with $20,000 tuition grants, while more than 60 student athletes received $2,500 each in tuition awards. Copeland is an Elementary Education major expected to graduate in 2021.

Oh yeah, Copeland said she won the prize on her birthday.

Jessica Merritt, an Auburn swimmer and diver, was awarded one of the $2,500 tuition awards. Merritt is an Elementary Education major expected to graduate.

Highlights of the features, presentations and surprises can be viewed in a video here.

“I am honored to support the CFP Foundation’s Go Teach initiative and the Dr Pepper Tuition Giveaway in a fantastic effort to recruit student athletes to pursue teaching degrees,” said CFP Foundation ambassador Darren Woodson. “Our country is facing a teacher shortage, and the need has never been greater for qualified people to educate our kids. The team culture that comes with being a student athlete lends a skill set key to being a tremendous teacher. Congratulations to all the winners – they’re all champions who will make an incredibly positive difference for the next generation.”

“Dr Pepper has partnered with the CFP Foundation since 2015, and we are proud to expand our relationship to help even more student athletes realize their dreams of becoming a teacher,” said Derek Dabrowski, Vice President of Brand Marketing for Dr Pepper. “Dr Pepper is synonymous with college football. This year has looked different than most due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why it’s more than important than ever that we support students with big dreams who need the help in realizing them.”

Copeland’s Stats: