British rapper Stormzy has broken records with his music and is now breaking down barriers with an incredible new academic scheme.
Realising the enormity and impact of his platform, the 25-year-old has today officially launched ‘The Stormzy Scholarship’ in partnership with Cambridge University – one of the top academic institutions in the world.
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)More on the BRIT Award winner’s incredible initiative below…
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)Speaking this morning at his former school Harris Academy on A-Level results day, Stormzy formally unveiled the scheme.
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)It’ll see four Black British students provided with financial support during their degree courses at Cambridge.
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)The full cost of their tuition fees and a maintenance grant will be awarded to the individuals for up to four years of any undergraduate course.
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)And the funding starts…now.
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)Per a press statement, the first two students commence study this October with a further two set to begin their journey in 2019.
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)Impressively, Stormzy will be funding the scheme himself initially. The goal, he says, is to magnetise investors to become part of the scheme.
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)
Explaining his rationale, the star – who is of Ghanian heritage and himself has demonstrated A* academic excellence – said:
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)“There are so many young black kids all over the country who have the level of academic excellence to study at a university such as Cambridge – however we are still under represented at leading universities. We, as a minority, have so many examples of black students who have excelled at every level of education throughout the years. I hope this scholarship serves as a small reminder that if young black students wish to study at one of the best universities in the world, then the opportunity is yours for the taking – and if funding is one of the barriers, then we can work towards breaking that barrier down.”
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)
The University of Cambridge’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Toope, added:
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)“Stormzy is an inspiration, not just for his music but for his engagement on social issues and encouragement of young people. He has achieved great success in his career, but recognises that this was at the expense of his studies and the option of a place at a top university. He wants to inspire talented young black people who have their sights set on university to follow their dreams. The studentships are a beacon for black students who might otherwise have felt they could not come to Cambridge.
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)Last year, 58 new black students arrived to take up their courses at Cambridge, the largest number ever but not nearly as many as we would like. We know we need to work harder to ensure that black students not only apply to study at the university, but that they feel at home here and achieve their full potential.”
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)
Click here for more details and eligibility criteria.
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)*************
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)Amazing!
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)It’s so warming to see an act truly give-back in such a potent way.
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)Music can and should serve as a vehicle to bring about greater good and Stormzy deserves kudos in earnest for spearheading this mantra.
Video In-Article Ad (Desktop)
Amazing info!