Zito to participate as celebrity judge for scholarship program

Giants pitcher Barry Zito knows a thing or two about philanthropy. Since 2006, his “Strikeouts For Troops” program has generated nearly two million dollars for wounded soldiers.

Now, he’s giving of himself again.

This time as a celebrity judge in Foot Locker’s upcoming Scholar Athletes Program, which will award 20 students $20,000 each in college scholarships after they participate in a Skype interview to convince Zito and other celebrity panelists why they should get the money.

Eligible students can apply online or be nominated by teachers, coaches, friends, and family. Applications close on January 9, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. (PST).

Other celebrity judges will include former Raiders and current Eagles cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, former MLB catcher Brad Ausmus, Olympic runner Suzy Favor-Hamilton, triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker, Hampden-Sydney College President Dr. Chris Howard, and actresses Sanaa Lathan (Nip/Tuck, Love & Backetball, The Cleveland Show) and Josie Loren (17 Again, Make It Or Break It).