Barbados-born Grammy-winning bad gal Rihanna (aka Riri) has announced a global scholarship program that would fund education for students from seven countries, including her home country and four other Caribbean nations, in the United States.
The college scholarship programme, launched through her Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), would provide up to US$50,000 in scholarships for successful applications from Barbados, Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Guyana, Jamaica, or the US who have already been accepted into a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited four-year college or university in the US for the 2016-2017 year.
”To be able to give the gift of an education is actually an honor. ”Higher education will help provide perspective, opportunities, and learning to a group of kids who really deserve it. I am thrilled to be able to do this,” the star told USA Today.
Recipients will receive an award ranging from US$5,000 to US$50,000, which may be renewed for up to three additional years or until a bachelor’s degree is earned. Renewal is contingent upon satisfactory academic performance, and awards may be used only for tuition expenses.
The deadline for applications is June 10. Once applications are submitted, a committee will screen 50 finalists based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience and a personal essay, and winners will be announced by August.
The foundation’s website said the global scholarship program is designed to assist students who are aspiring to reach their fullest potential.
“The goal is to create a cyclical effect with CLF Scholars eventually being able to help others become thriving professionals, educators, and philanthropists,” it said.
Rihanna founded the CLF in 2012 in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite.
APPLY NOW AT www.scholarsapply.org/claralionelfdn
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RCS SIDEBAR: The number of scholarship dollars out there specifically earmarked for Caribbean students is negligible so I give mucho respect to Rihanna for putting her money where her mouth is. Its one thing to have the money, its another to give back and do something for the youth!
