Kevin Hart may be a comedic rock star and an international sensation, but he has not forgotten about the little guy.
Hart recently partnered with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to change the lives of a few young scholars. The former Temple University student has publicly shared that he values education and appreciates his opportunity to support and encourage the youth, especially in his hometown of Philadelphia.
Kevin spoke with Entertainment Tonight and shared how his mother was a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and though he could’ve attended the school for free, he had other plans.
As the four ‘Kevin Hart Scholarship’ recipients received $50,000 each, Hart honored their accomplishments. One winner even got starstruck and after a few moments passed, she blurted “you smell good” and asked for a hug. The laughing comedian obliged.
While each recipient received their scholarship, Kevin also offered a few words of encouragement and acclamations.
[quote_box_center]“This is me stepping up to the plate going, ‘Yo, what you’re doing is dope. You’re dope. You’ve got the opportunity to be the dopest of all dopetivity’…
Okay… time to give out some money! On behalf of myself and UNCF [United Negro College Fund], I am handing you a $50,000 scholarship.”[/quote_box_center]
The four students were chosen based on grade point average and financial need. Hart’s scholarship will provide an opportunity for students who are talented and are performing but happen to not have been born into the best financial situation. The young leaders will also be sent to Atlanta, GA for a UNCF event, “An Evening of Stars”, the nationally televised entertainment event in support of higher education.
According to the scholarship program, the typical criteria is:
Applicants must be a matriculating student at a UNCF member school or HBCU in Fall 2015.
Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Applicants must be a high school senior (class of 2015); current college freshman (class of 2018), current college sophomore (class of 2017) or current college junior (class of 2016) at the time of application.
Applicants must have a demonstrated financial need (will be verified upon final selection).”
Celebrities giving back to the community have a rising appreciation.
This is good for Kevin Hart and shows his committment to the HBCU community. Other African-American celebrtities need to do the same.