Close
Search
Menu Menu

Stormzy expands Cambridge scholarships for Black students

Credit: Wikimedia
By
London, UK
5 energy + Add Energy
What is energy?
Want to show your appreciation? Give an article “Energy” and it will help us know what you like.
0 comments
0 comments

The rapper has secured a three year partnership with HSBC to boost the existing funding provided by his charity, #Merky Foundation.

The Stormzy Scholarship began in 2018 and has offered financial support for two UK-based Black students a year. To date, six students have received funding through the program.

Stormzy has previously self-funded their education, aiming to address the cultural and racial inequality of students completing courses at one of the world’s top universities.

In light of a new partnership with HSBC worth £2million, the scholarship will be expanded to cover tuition and living costs for thirty black students over the next three years.

Ten Black or mixed-race heritage students will receive £20,000 each year, an amount that will continue throughout the duration of their undergraduate courses.

Announcing the growth of the program, Stormzy said, ‘for 30 more black students to have the opportunity to study at Cambridge – the same year our initial 2018 scholars graduate – feels like an incredible milestone.’

This summer, the first two recipients of the scholarship program graduated with a high 2:1 and 2:1.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wkgpi5Sk-I&ab_channel=TheJonathanRossShow

The Senior pro-vice-chancellor of Cambridge University highlighted a 50 percent increase in the number of Black students applying and being accepted to study at the institution following the announcement of Stormzy’s scheme four years ago.

In 2019, Cambridge reported that 26.8% of its undergraduate students were from Black, Asian, or minority ethnic groups from the UK. This significant increase is being called the ‘Stormzy effect’.

In a statement, Stormzy told the BBC, ‘I hope this 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.’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPuj6UISMhs&ab_channel=Stormzy

It’s incredible to see celebrities use their platform and financial privilege to support causes that they are passionate about – even more so when it sparks a chain reaction for more social change.

From Marcus Rashford’s school lunch programs to Stormzy’s scholarships, it looks like some of Britain’s biggest stars are on a mission to challenge inequality within the system – even if it requires opening their own wallets.

Let’s hope this trend continues to set an example for more in their position, it’s certainly worth it.

Senior Writer & Media Coordinator London, UK

I’m Jessica (She/Her). Originally from Bermuda, I moved to London to get a Master’s degree in Media & Communications and now write for Thred to spread the word about positive social change, specifically ocean health and marine conservation. You can also find me dipping my toes into other subjects like pop culture, health, wellness, style, and beauty.  Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.

Popular

Keep up with thred by signing up to our planet-positive newsletter!

More from thred.

Explaining the ongoing protests at US universities
Credit: CNN
People

Explaining the ongoing protests at US universities

Students across the United States are calling for their universities to divest in firms that benefit from Israel’s occupation and war on Gaza. The movement has sparked questions about student safety and free speech during an especially politically charged time. Protests against the war in Gaza erupted on Columbia University's New York campus last week, with similar demonstrations taking place at other institutions across the United States. Students are urging their...

By London, UK
Italy bill allows pro-life activists to enter abortion clinics
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
People

Italy bill allows pro-life activists to enter abortion clinics

Described as a regression to ‘medieval times,’ Italy's latest ruling exacerbates already challenging access to abortion and fuels the right-wing government's agenda to restrict abortions in the country. Italy’s far-right leader Giorgia Meloni recently passed legislation allowing anti-abortion activists and organisations to enter abortion clinics. The move is part of the broader package of initiatives introduced by the right-wing government, propped up by the EU’s post-pandemic recovery fund of which Italy...

By Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia
WHO approves new cholera vaccine
Credit: WHO
People

WHO approves new cholera vaccine

In a significant stride toward combating one of the world's most prevalent yet preventable diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a new cholera vaccine. Cholera has plagued regions with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water for years. According to the World Health Organisation estimates, there are 1.3 to 4 million cases of cholera annually, resulting in 21,000 to 143,000 deaths globally. The majority of these cases...

By Nairobi, Kenya
Exclusive – Discussing rising eco-anxiety with Clover Hogan
Credit: Thred
People

Exclusive – Discussing rising eco-anxiety with Clover Hogan

I spoke with the environmentalist about society’s need to protect young people’s mental health in the face of our current climate crisis and how this frustration can be turned into constructive activism. If, during the last few years, you’ve experienced an overwhelming sense of concern regarding the current state of our planet, know that – by all means – you are not alone. Clover Hogan, now 24, often lies awake...

By London, UK
Accessibility