BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Tuesday May 10, 2016 – Barbadian-born Grammy-winning singer Rihanna has announced a global scholarship programme 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 honour. ”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 programme 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 honour of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite.