14 The HBCU Advocate Kevin Hart FROM PAGE 1


and universities (HBCUs). UNCF is the largest provider


of college scholarships for students of color in the U.S., awarding more than $100 million in college scholarships annually to deserving students. The 18 Help From The Hart Charity Scholarship recipients have been selected based on their academic and personal accomplishments and may receive substantive renewable awards based on need.


Meet the students “The Help From The Hart


Charity Scholarship will not only support students, but will also demonstrate support for HBCUs,” said UNCF CEO and President Michael L. Lomax. “Research shows that HBCUs matter, and that HBCU students are having a positive college experience, but they also have an unmet financial need. Together, Kevin and KIPP


have made


an investment


Volume 2 Number 3 that


will have a significant impact. We can’t thank them enough for their support.”


"Education and knowledge


are powerful,” said Hart. “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.”


college


The 18 students receiving scholarships are


public charter schools in high


school graduates who attended KIPP


eight different communities: the Arkansas Delta, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. A recent survey of KIPP alumni across the country showed that the


KIPP graduates who attend


HBCUs reported a stronger sense of belonging, better mental health, and


September/October 2018


were more likely to have a mentor than those attending non-HBCUs.


“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.”


Hart’s gift to fund this new


scholarship program puts him in line with many other renowned celebrities—like Lou Rawls, Ella Fitzgerald, Clifton Davis, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Anthony Anderson, Beyoncé, Chris Rock, Usher, Pharrell Williams, Ray Charles, John Lennon, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis who, realizing


the value of a quality education, have supported UNCF over the years. “Giving back to build better futures is the name of the game, and we hope that others like Kevin will understand why educational investments are so important, especially now, and step up to help more deserving students,” said Lomax.


Lomax also added, “Over


the last decade, UNCF has been building a relationship with the KIPP public school network, and we are so excited that KIPP’s board of directors and Chairman John Fisher are behind this outstanding new venture. There are more than 1,300 KIPPsters currently enrolled at HBCUs, and together, we are bringing resources and shining a spotlight on these students who are doing all they can to get a college education. This unique partnership will help UNCF continue to bridge the gap from high school success to college achievement and enables UNCF to help more students get to and through college.”


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