Two incoming Spelman students are among 18 selected to benefit from a major gift made by actor/comedian, Kevin Hart through the United Negro College Fund.
Launched in partnership with 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. Casey Adams, C’2022, of Philadelphia, and Briana Hardison, C’2022, of West Helena, Arkansas, are among those selected.
“Education and knowledge are powerful,” said Hart. “I am living proof that if you put your mind to something you can not only achieve it, but you can go above and beyond the expectations of what you thought that you could do. After you open one door, the crazy thing is you find out that there are seven more doors that you could open. Education is that first door.”
Hardison is appreciative of the award. “This gift from UNCF and Kevin really means a lot to me,” said the scholar who plans to major in child psychology. “Arriving at Spelman, I’m full of excitement and just honored to be at the best school money can buy. For someone like Kevin Hart to invest in my education makes me feel thankful.”
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.”