A New Jersey foundation, whose name was inspired by a song produced by a pastor, a Hall of Fame NBA player, and a famous rapper, will soon distribute scholarships to young people interested in pursuing careers as student-athletes and music majors.
Christopher Jones, a multiplatinum record producer and senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Hillside, leads the “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” foundation, which was inspired by the song Jones produced with Shaquille O’Neal and The Notorious B.I.G., “Still Can’t Stop the Reign.”
Jones, the CEO and creator of the new foundation, will award four-year, $500 book scholarships to 20 New Jersey high school graduates from underserved communities who lack mentorship, financial support, and resources for college.
He said the students are part of the first cohort, but hopes to grow that number each year.
“Our young people are worth investing in,” Jones said. “If there’s any way that you can leverage your resources or your working power, you should do so to offer hope to this emerging generation of innovative thinkers who have viable dreams.”
The scholarships are intended to help offset the cost of books, as funds are limited, Jones said. The foundation will give the money directly to students who can use it for tuition if they prefer. Jones said that as the donor base grows, he hopes to one day expand to cover tuition.
The scholarships are funded through Jones’ music royalties, proceeds from online T-shirt sales, and private donations.
The foundation is registered in Middlesex County but will provide scholarships and support to students throughout New Jersey, Jones said.
The scholarship application is available to youth pursuing music as their major or becoming student-athletes at their college of choice. Students are required to have a minimum 3.0 grade point average, provide a transcript, proof of acceptance letter, and additional information. The deadline to apply is Aug. 4.
Jones and his selection committee will review the submissions and then notify the winners, who will receive the scholarships during an awards ceremony by the end of the summer.
He stated that scholarship winners are expected to volunteer 30 hours each school year, dedicating 15 hours to one-on-one mentorship and 15 hours to community service.
Jennifer Correnti, past president of the New Jersey School Counselor Association, said such scholarship programs have multiple benefits.
“Wraparound services with like monetary support are going to be great,” she said. “It could help with tutoring, or could help finding a job, or could help them earn an internship.”
Correnti also said mentorship opportunities are valuable because students will be able to make connections and learn networking skills.
Anthony Salters, founder of Hillside Innovation Academy, said his school is aware of the scholarship opportunity because of Jones’ role as a pastor active in the community.
“This is a chance…when they least expect it,” said Salters.
Jones, through his church, has made it a practice of helping high school graduates financially. Last month, he and his church awarded $10,000 to students headed to college in the 2025-2026 academic year. Through the foundation, his goal is to reach more students and promote the $500 scholarships outside his church through social media platforms such as X and Instagram.
“No matter what outcomes you face in life, whether it be in high school or college, you can’t stop, and you won’t stop, because you have so much potential,” he said.
Andrea Barbaran may be reached at abarbaran@njadvancemedia.com.
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