We love a benevolent celebrity who supports education, and Kevin Hart joins the ranks of those like Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj to help support the continued education of deserving students.
The actor and comedian has partnered with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) through his Help from the Hart Charity to help 18 students get their college degrees. The $600,000 scholarship will give funding to support KIPP students from eight different cities who are attending 11 historically black colleges and universities, a press release from UNCF notes.
The 18 lucky students were selected based on their academic and personal accomplishments, and may also be eligible for renewable awards based on need.
“Education and knowledge are powerful,” Hart said in the press release. “I just wanted to do my part in providing opportunities for our future leaders, especially from my Philly hometown, and show support for HBCUs. This is just the beginning; trust me when I tell you there are a lot more kids who want to go to college who don’t have the money to make it happen.”
Speaking of from Philly, eight of the lucky eighteen come from Hart’s beloved hometown.
“Nothing brings me greater joy than to see the hard work of these 18 KIPP students recognized by Kevin Hart and UNCF through this generous scholarship program,” said John Fisher, chair of the KIPP Foundation Board of Directors. “Michael Lomax [President and CEO of UNCF] has been a longtime KIPP supporter and friend and a tireless champion for young people. We are incredibly grateful to both UNCF and Kevin Hart for their partnership and support to help our students thrive in college and achieve their dreams.”