R&B superstar Rihanna has announced a college scholarship programme, where she will be offering scholarships of up to USD 50,000 for students who need financial support. The "Work" hitmaker is offering scholarships for students on a need basis through her Clara Lionel Foundation.
"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," Rihanna said.
Students have a chance of receiving USD 5,000 to USD 50,000 of financial support towards their studying for a four-year course in a college based in the United States. Applicants for the bursary must be a resident of either the United States, Barbados, Cuba, Brazil, Jamaica, Guyana or Haiti and the fate of the top 50 will be decided by a committee, who are looking for "academic performance, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience and a personal essay".
A post on the charity's official website read, "The Clara Lionel Foundation Global Scholarship Program awards full scholarships to highly motivated youth in Barbados, Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Guyana, Jamaica and the United States. "Designed to assist students who are aspiring to reach their fullest potential, the program will provide recipients with the opportunity to receive an education anywhere in the United States. The goal is to create a cyclical effect with CLF Scholars eventually being able to help others become thriving professionals, educators, and philanthropists."