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Stormzy launches Cambridge scholarship for black students

BLACK EXCELLENCE: Stormzy with students and BBC presenter Ricky Boleto at his former secondary school (Photo credit: Ricky Boleto Twitter)

STORMZY is a true champion for black excellence.

The rapper recently announced the launch of a publishing imprint called Merky Books to help young writers become published authors and donated £9,000 to an Oxford student's crowdfunder for her to go to Harvard in the US.

Now, the hitmaker is adding to that list of good deeds, after announcing that he will help fund two black British students to go to Cambridge University.

The Stormzy Scholarship will pay for tuition fees and provide a maintenance grant for up to four years of an undergraduate course.

The first two students will start their courses at the beginning of the new academic year this October with two further students selected for 2019 entry. 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.

Speaking to the BBC, the Cold MC said: "It's so important for black students, especially, to be aware that it can 100% be an option to attend a university of this calibre. We're a minority, the playing ground isn't level for us and it's vital that all potential students are given the same opportunity."

He added: “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.

"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.”

Stormzy announced the scheme at his old school, Harris Academy in Crystal Palace, south London on A-level results day.

The University of Cambridge’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Stephen Toope, commented: “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."

Since announcing the Stormzy scholarship, fans on social media have praised the rapper for showing support to the youth.

Journalist Nadine White tweeted: "Stormzy has been making so many moves to enhance the lives of other people. #StormzyScholarship? I could cry. That's beautiful."

Another Twitter user wrote: "Great to see #stormzy giving back to his community"

See more reactions below:

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 Friday 31 August 2018.

For more details on eligibility criteria, follow this link: www.cam.ac.uk/stormzyscholarship

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