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Beyoncé expands scholarship program for students at Historically Black Colleges

The decision follows her performance at last weekend's Coachella

Ilana Kaplan
Monday 16 April 2018 18:44 BST
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Beyonce thanks Coachella fans 'for allowing her to be first black woman to headline' festival

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Beyoncé has announced a new scholarship program for students at Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs) through her BeyGOOD initiative.

The new program known as the Homecoming Scholars Award will give students from Tuskegee, Wilberforce, Xavier and Bethune-Cookman Universities, Rolling Stone reports.

One student from each of the chosen universities will get $25,000 educational grants for the 2018-2019 academic year.

In total, the singer will donate $100,000 to select students.

The Director of Philanthropy and Corporate Relations at Parkwood Entertainment, Ivy McGregor said that the initiative centres on "the rich legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities."

She added, "We honour all institutions of higher learning for maintaining culture and creating environments for optimal learning which expands dreams and the seas of possibilities for students."

This is the second scholarship program the pop icon has hosted through BeyGOOD.

To commemorate the one-year anniversary of her 2016 album Lemonade, Beyoncé announced the 'Formation Scholars' program in April 2017.

The first year of the program focused on young women while the second year will award scholarships regardless of gender.

To qualify, students must maintain a 3.5 or higher GPA and study literature, creative arts, African American studies, science, education, business, communications, social sciences, computer science or engineering.

All finalists and winners will be selected by the four designated universities and the scholarship recipients will be announced this summer.

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At Coachella this past weekend, Beyoncé paid tribute to HBCUs during her headlining set alongside a marching band and choir with her former Destiny's Child members, Jay-Z and Solange.

Beyoncé will perform at Coachella Weekend 2 on April 20.

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