The $2 million program will benefit five private and state schools.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z have created a $2 million scholarship program to support students in the arts and creative fields, as well as history and communications at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and four other Historically Black Colleges and Universities. UAPB will receive $400,000 over four years through the About Love Scholarship initiative.
In a statement, UAPB chancellor Laurence Alexander said he was grateful to the couple for recognizing the need to support emerging visual and performing artists, and students studying history and communications.
“At the heart of the UAPB mission is the responsibility to expand access and opportunity,” Alexander said. “The About Love Scholarship assists us in continuing to nurture and prepare the students who will one day shape the future of art and culture.”
In partnership with Tiffany & Co., the couple’s philanthropic initiatives — BeyGOOD and the Shawn Carter Foundation — created the program to support students at UAPB, Lincoln University, Norfolk State University, Bennett College and Central State University.
Tiffany & Co. announced in late August that Beyoncé and Jay-Z would star in its new About Love ad campaign. The campaign debuted globally in print Sept. 2 and includes a film featuring Beyoncé singing Moon River that was released yesterday.
“We are only as strong as the work we do together, and we are honored to partner with the Carters,” said Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Tiffany’s chief sustainability officer. “Their relentless dedication to lifting underrepresented groups is the inspiration for the About Love Scholarship program.”
The application period is open through 10:59 p.m. CST Sept. 26. Priority will be given to students who are facing financial hardships and are in need of emergency financial assistance. Award sizes will differ per student, based upon need.
UAPB students can apply for the scholarship here.