Read more here about the Baylor Opportunity Fund introduction.
Scholarship Overview
The Elgin & Elaine Baylor Opportunity Fund provides scholarship support to students in the United States with limited opportunities and options for higher education. The Fund is designed to give recipients the same opportunity that Elgin received when he attended The College of Idaho in the form of a full tuition scholarship, renewable each year for four years of study at the College. Though no scholarships will be awarded for the 2025 – 2026 Academic Year, more scholarship opportunities will be coming soon.
About Elaine Baylor
About Elaine Baylor Elaine serves on The College of Idaho Board of Trustees, and is a Community & Education Advocate in Los Angeles, California. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Newcomb College, she attended Tulane University’s School of Social Work where she received her Master’s Degree. Elaine has spent her professional career mentoring and providing professional coaching to students, especially those from underserved populations. She is currently a Board Member for the Los Angeles Valley College Foundation, and an Advisory Board Member for the COWEN Institute of Tulane University. Elaine always appreciates the opportunity to engage with students, hearing their stories and hopes that she can provide support and share her wisdom with them. Anyone that knows her, knows that she is a humble, kind, compassionate person of deep faith, with a very big heart.
About Elgin Baylor
Growing up in the 1940s and ‘50s in Washington D.C., Elgin Baylor was shut out from many of the nearby gyms because he was black. Despite finding a way to play and excel at basketball in high school, Elgin wasn’t recruited to play in college. That is until a friend helped Elgin find The College of Idaho in 1954. 1954 was the year of Brown v. Board of Education. Very few colleges had black players on their rosters. At The College of Idaho, Elgin led a team of six black players – paving the way for diversity at every level. Elgin wasn’t looking for anything special, but his journey to Idaho and his experience at The College of Idaho set the tone for one of the more remarkable stories of change, perseverance, and success. Elaine Baylor charted her own path as well, passing on a full-ride scholarship to study chemistry at an HBCU, to instead attend Newcomb in New Orleans as one of their first students of color. Elgin and Elaine were both trailblazers who dedicated their lives to creating paths for others. For nearly fifty years, Elgin dedicated his professional life to the sport of basketball; as a player, coach, and front office executive. He received numerous awards and commendations throughout his career, while also being vocal about the importance of education. He and his wife Elaine gave generously to support youth and educational institutions throughout his lifetime. Sadly, Elgin passed away in March 2021. Now, nearly 70 years after Elgin attended The College of Idaho, his and Elaine’s legacies are being honored in a way suitable only to the character and determination they showed throughout their lives.