Jordan Brand’s Wings initiative enters its second decade with a renewed focus on expanding access to education, mentorship and career development. Since its founding, the program has supported more than 4,000 students worldwide, and its 10-year anniversary brings new efforts in London, Paris and over 30 cities globally, alongside the launch of a commemorative Air Jordan 5.
Jordan Brand introduced new regional partnerships and awarded over 350 scholarships. These include students from the United States, China and the Philippines. The Wings initiative focuses on opening academic and creative paths for young people, especially those in underrepresented communities. With programs designed around education, design, and career exploration, Wings reflects Michael Jordan’s belief in long-term investment in youth potential.
In London, the new chapter includes a collaboration with the Hoopsfix Foundation through the Beyond Basketball program. The initiative will connect youth in South London with resources through sport and education. Meanwhile, in Paris, a partnership with Union de la Jeunesse Internationale (UJI) aims to strengthen local outreach to diaspora communities. This collaboration supports mentorship programs and builds long-term organizational infrastructure for UJI’s future efforts.
The Wings scholarship program continues to serve students in cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Portland and Manila. This year’s class joins a growing international community of recipients. Many of them pursue creative careers, coaching, or teaching. Jordan Brand also supports students through internships and design opportunities, including 36 placements at Nike and 1,400 graduates of the Wings Design Program.
Wings programs operate through collaboration with 28 global partners. Over the past decade, employees from Jordan Brand and Nike have collectively volunteered more than 146,000 hours. These partnerships and volunteer networks provide students with consistent guidance and access to resources beyond funding alone.
Looking ahead, the initiative plans to reach 10,000 students by 2035. This includes further geographic expansion, additional program launches, and new partnerships that respond to shifting educational needs. The long-term goal is to increase equity in education and to ensure access to creative and professional development tools for students in key cultural centers.
To celebrate this 10-year anniversary, Jordan Brand will release the Wings Air Jordan 5 on July 16. The design incorporates symbolic references to the anniversary, including a tin and aluminum colorway and a unique outsole that reveals the number 10 when both shoes are placed together. Additional details include a Wings Jumpman heel logo, a graduation cap tassel, and an insole featuring Michael Jordan’s handprint.
The sneaker’s details reflect the program’s guiding message, “In the Family, No One Flies Alone.” Available in both men’s and women’s sizing, the Wings Air Jordan 5 serves as a physical reminder of the students, mentors, and volunteers who shaped the program’s first decade.
