Rihanna rewards hard-working students with global scholarship program

In her latest single, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rihanna says to “work work work” – and no hard work goes unrewarded: earlier this week, she announced plans to sponsor international and U.S. students who wish to study at a college or university in the U.S.

Through the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), a non-profit she set up in 2012 in honor of her grandparents, eligible students can receive a scholarship and pursue their dreams.

However, the scholarship is only open to Barbadian, Brazilian, Cuban, Haitian, Guyanese, Jamaican and American students who have already been accepted into a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited four-year college or university in the U.S. for the 2016-17 academic year.

But this is for a very good reason: according to the Institute for International Education (IIE), students from these countries are some of the least represented among the ranks of international students in the U.S., reported NPR.

Based on the IIE’s 2015 data, less than 300 students from Barbados were studying in the U.S. over the 2014-2015 school year, while there were only 94 Cuban students. Haiti and Guyana had less than 1,000 students each, with 934 and 230 students respectively.

The amount to be disbursed will be based on individual circumstances and there is currently no set limit to the number of students in line to receive the scholarship, as the foundation’s goal is to reward as many students as possible.

Scholarships granted will vary from US$5,000 to US$50,000, and may be renewed for up to three additional years or until the student receives their Bachelor’s degree.

“To be able to give the gift of an education is actually an honor,” said Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Fenty, hailing from Barbados.

“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.”

Applications for the full-tuition grant are open from now until June 10. A committee will select 50 finalists based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, work experience and a personal essay, and the scholarship winners will be announced by August this year.

According to its website, grants from the CLF are used to fund international programs with particular focus on health, education, arts, and culture.

Further details and eligibility criteria can be found here.

Image via AP Images.

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