Stormzy has unveiled his own scholarship at the University of Cambridge for British black students.
The 25-year-old grime star is going to fund four students’ fees and maintenance grants for an undergraduate course at the prestigious higher education establishment in England, over the next two years.
The ‘Momma’s Prayer’ rapper made the announcement from his own secondary school, Harris Academy in Crystal Palace, London, where he achieved six A*s, three A’s and three B’s at GCSE, but opted out of college to pursue his passion for music, on Thursday (16.08.18).
The ‘Big For Your Boots’ hitmaker – who is dating presenter Maya Jama – hopes his funding and support will help push up the number of talented black kids attending universities in the UK.
He said: "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."
This year’s entries will be self-funded by Stormzy however, he hopes to engage more support from additional investors to become part of the scheme.
In 2017, the University of Cambridge admitted 58 black students on to undergraduate courses.
However, they are determined to increase their intake of young black kids, and believe Stormzy has what it takes to inspire the next wave of professionals to achieve the grades they need to attend higher education.
The University of Cambridge’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Toope, said: "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."
To be eligible for a 2018 entry ‘The Stormzy Scholarship’ applicants must be of black ethnicity and be holding an unconditional offer. Applications must be submitted no later than August 31.
More information can be found at www.cam.ac.uk/stormzyscholarship
Stormzy launches University of Cambridge scholarship
