Stormzy scholarship charity expands scope following £2m HSBC link up

Stormzy’s charity #Merky Foundation has linked up with HSBC to offer a further £2m to help black students study at the University of Cambridge.

The charity was set up by the musician to fund the tuition and maintenance costs for students to attend the university. The financial package is worth £20,000 per student each year.

Through the link up with HSBC a further 30 places are being made available to ‘Stormzy scholars’ for 10 students over the next three years to fund their degree course, of either three to four years.

The move ‘represents a significant expansion” of Stormzy’s scholarship programme, which launched three years ago. To date it has supported six Black students through their education at the prestigious university.

"For 30 more Black students to have the opportunity to study at Cambridge University - the same year our initial 2018 scholars graduate - feels like an incredible milestone,” said the musician.

“I hope this scholarship 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."

HSBC UK’s chief executive Ian Stuart, added: "Education is a great equalizer and a powerful force for change.

“We are incredibly proud to support the growth of the Stormzy Scholarships at the University of Cambridge, helping remove barriers to higher education as part of our wider commitment to support racial equality in the UK."

Last year BBC Children in Need pledged to match £10m in funding promised by Stomzy to tackle racial inequality in the UK.

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