Kevin Hart has teamed up with KIPP schools and the United Negro College Fund to give 18 scholarships to students who attend historically black colleges and universities.
The comedian/actor’s charity ‘Help From The Hart Charity’ has donated $300,000. His donation was matched by the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) Public Schools.
“Education and knowledge are powerful,” said Hart 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.”
The 18 students are attending 11 different colleges across the country and were selected based on academic and personal accomplishments. According to KIPP’s website, the organization is “a non-profit network of 224 college-preparatory, public charter schools educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students.”
“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 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.”
This is not the first time Hart has donated to higher education. In 2015, the “Central Intelligence” star donated $100,000 towards the education of four HBCU students.
