20 SoCal Students Earn Scholarships in Honor of Gigi Bryant’s Birthday

In honor of what would have been Gianna Bryant’s 20th birthday on Friday, May 1, the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation gave 20 student athletes across Los Angeles and Orange County scholarships.

“Today, May 1st, marks what would have been Gianna Bryant’s 20th birthday.

In Gigi’s honor, we are proud to announce the 2026 Class of Gianna Bryant Scholars— 20 exceptional student-athletes from Los Angeles and Orange County, administered in partnership with the California Community Foundation and local Boys & Girls Club affiliates.

Congratulations to all of our 2026 Scholars! 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,” the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation and Vanessa Bryant wrote in a social media post on Friday.

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Each student-athlete received $24,802 to represent both Gigi and Kobe Bryant’s jersey numbers. The total price of these scholarships reached half a million dollars and is one of the many ways the foundation continues to honor Gigi and Kobe and give back to the local community.

Jul 27, 2019; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kobe Bryant is pictured with his daughter Gianna at the WNBA All Star Game at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The 2026 Class of Gianna Bryant Scholars were selected for showing resilience and hard work amid adversity.

In the tribute video, the foundation surprised the students with the scholarships. Multiple students shared how Gigi has inspired them throughout their lives, highlighting her determination, persistence and the long-lasting legacy she left on the world.