Notable Ghanaian-British birthed artist, Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr known in showbiz as Stormzy has professed to help elevate 36 black students studying at Cambridge University over the next three years.
Each will receive a £20,000 annual scholarship in a proceeding partnership between the banking group HSBC UK and the entertainer’s charity, #Merky Foundation.
It is five years since the Stormzy Scholarships were founded. By 2026, 81 students will have received one.
Stormzy mentioned that the opportunity for black students was “theirs for the taking”.
The university expressed that the “Stormzy effect” had witnessed applications from UK black students rise, with those enrolled on undergraduate courses making twice as much, from 61 students in 2018 to 141 students in 2022.
HSBC has promised £2m to support 30 new Stormzy Scholarships over the next three years, while the #Merky Foundation will continue to fund a further two students a year.
The ace artist uttered: “For a further 30 black students to have the opportunity to study at Cambridge University – the same year we celebrate five years of the scholarships’ launch – feels like an incredible landmark moment.
They are aimed at alleviating financial worries for students from “less advantaged socio-economic background”, the university expressed.
Prof Bhaskar Vira, pro-vice-chancellor for education, mentioned he was “delighted” the collaboration was continuing.
“We know these scholarships are truly transformative in the opportunities they provide and we look forward to welcoming more Stormzy scholars to Cambridge over the next few years,” he indicated.
© 2023 • Story By Edem Latsu Nukafu
Writer’s email:edemlatsu093@gmail.com
