Actor and comedian Kevin Hart, the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), and the United Negro College Fund have partnered to provide scholarships for 18 students to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The venture has created a $600,000 scholarship fund that will support KIPP students from Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C., who are attending 11 HBCUs.
“Research shows that HBCUs matter, and that HBCU students are having a positive college experience, but they also have an unmet financial need,” UNCF CEO and President Michael L. Lomax said, in a statement.
Hart’s “Help From The Hart Charity” and KIPP Public Schools each donated $300,000 in scholarships administered by the fund. Hart also gave $100,000 to the fund in 2015.
Students were selected based on academic and personal accomplishments, and could receive renewal awards based on need.
“Education and knowledge are powerful,” Hart said, in a statement. “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.”
When LeBron James launched his I PROMISE School in Akron, Ohio, last week, Hart took to Instagram to congratulate the athlete and philanthropist:
“This is MOTIVATION at the highest level. To think that someone told this man to, ‘Shut up and dribble.’ This is proof that anything is possible. I am so happy and proud of my brother @kingjames and I am motivated to figure out how to follow in your footsteps. This is HISTORY, man. Way to go, KING! Keep striving for greatness and continue to pave the way!”
It seems Hart has found a way to follow in James’ footsteps.
“This is just the beginning people!” he said Wednesday on Instagram. “My ‘Help From The Hart Charity’ is about to do a lot more!”
