For someone known as "Bad Gal RiRi," Rihanna's latest move shows she has a good heart. On Monday, USA Today announced the singer is giving back in a major way. Through her organization the Clara Lionel Foundation, Rihanna is creating a scholarship program for U.S. and international students attending colleges in the U.S. She told USA Today,
To be able to give the gift of an education is actually an honor. 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.
According to the foundation's website, these scholarships will range from $5,000-50,000 and aim to help as many students as possible. In order to be eligible, you must be a citizen or native of Brazil, Barbados, Cuba, Haiti, Grenada, Guyana, or Jamaica already accepted into a program at a college in the U.S. for the upcoming 2016-17 school year. Anyone interested in applying can visit the website for the Clara Lionel Foundation, which is named after Rihanna's grandparents. Founded in 2012, the organization's mission statement explains, "The Clara Lionel Foundation works to improve the quality of life for communities globally in the areas of health, education, arts and culture."
Props to Rihanna for throwing her star power behind an empowering cause. As much fun as it is to discuss whether RiRi is back together with Drake, I think this inspiring initiative deserves just as much time in the spotlight. Helping others get an education is an invaluable way of paying it forward.
This brings to mind other celebs who have also focused on helping lift up today's younger generation. In March, it was announced that Diddy is opening his own charter school in Harlem. Meanwhile, in February 2015, Taylor Swift donated $50,000 of the profits from her song "Welcome To New York" to NYC's public school system. There's nothing better than famous people believing in the value of brains, especially in a society that tends to be so focused on outer appearance.
If you meet the criteria mentioned above, what are you waiting for? You should totally apply for Ri's scholarships — and use "Work" as your motivational theme song to fill out the online form.
