The Croydon-native has offered to support another 30 black or mixed-race students at Cambridge University which are made possible by means of a new partnership between banking giant HSBC UK and Stormzy’s charity, #Merky Foundation. The partnership will see each student receive a £20,000 yearly scholarship.
The rapper’s scholarship programme began in 2018 and has so far sponsored six black students. Over the next three years, the programme will finance tuition and living expenses for ten additional students.
Speaking of the new scholarship fund, Stormzy said: “For 30 more black students to have the opportunity to study at Cambridge University – the same year our initial 2018 scholars graduate – feels like an incredible milestone.”
All students of black or mixed racial origin from the United Kingdom who have a confirmed placement at the institution are eligible to apply.
This summer, the first two recipients of the Stormzy Scholarship graduated with outstanding 2:1 and 2:1 grades.
Senior pro-vice-chancellor, Prof Graham Virgo, said: “Since the Stormzy Scholarships were announced in 2018 we have seen a significant increase in the number of black students applying to study here and being admitted and we are very proud to see the first two students supported by the scheme graduate this year.”
Virgo also added that he was “confident” that many recipients would not have been starting this “exciting journey… without the generous support of philanthropists like Stormzy”.
With the possibility of gaining a scholarship to the University, Cambridge has registered an increase in the number of black applicants and those who are accepted to the institution, which has now been termed “Stormzy effect.”
The ‘Do Better’ rapper added: “I hope this scholarship continues to serve as a small reminder to young black students that the opportunity to study at one of the best universities in the world is theirs for the taking.”
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
