Campus News
Dillard University Student Awarded Scholarship by Kevin Hart’s “Help From The Hart Charity,” a New $600,000 Scholarship Program
Kevin Harts taking photo with $600,000 scholarship recipient and future Dillard University
student
WASHINGTON, DC (Aug. 7, 2018)—Following up on his generous $100,000 scholarship gift made through UNCF (the United Negro College Fund) to four deserving college students back in 2015, actor and comedian Kevin Hart has joined forces with UNCF and KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) to help 18 more KIPP students earn a college degree—including Jamaya Wilson, a freshman at Dillard University.
Through a new UNCF scholarship program launched in partnership with Kevin Hart’s “Help From The Hart Charity” and KIPP Public Schools, the $600,000 scholarship will provide funding to support KIPP students from eight different cities, attending 11 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
“Every scholarship changes a student’s life,” said Dr. Walter M. Kimbrough, president
of Dillard University. “We are grateful and excited about this partnership with Kevin
Hart’s charity and look forward to welcoming many more scholars like Jamaya to our
campus.”
"Education and knowledge are powerful,” Hart said. “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.”
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.
“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 that will
have a significant impact. We can’t thank them enough for their support, and we want
to congratulate these 18 students for keeping their eyes on their goal of a college
education.”
Hart’s gift to fund this new scholarship program puts him in line with many other
renowned celebrities who 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.
“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.”
Lomax 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
their 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.”
About UNCF: UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nation’s largest and most effective minority
education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports
students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, strengthens
its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority
education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges
and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20 percent of African American
baccalaureate degrees. UNCF awards more than $100 million in scholarships annually
and administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship,
mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today,
UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at more than 1,100 colleges and universities
across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and
its widely recognized motto, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”® Learn more at UNCF.org, or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter
at @UNCF.
