Barbadian singer Rihanna starts scholarship program

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CALIFORNIA, US - Rihanna is offering studious fans the "gift of an education" through her newly-established global scholarship program. The Work hitmaker is launching the fund through her Clara Lionel Foundation charity, which she founded in 2012 in honour of her beloved grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. The organisation aims to improve the quality of life for underprivileged communities across the globe and promote projects focused on health, education, arts and culture. Now one of its priorities will involve helping youths cover the costs of attending college in the US. "To be able to give the gift of an education is actually an honour," Rihanna wrote in a statement. "Higher education will help provide perspective, opportunities and learning to a group of kids who really deserve it. I am thrilled to be able to do this." The scholarships, ranging from $US5,000 ($A6,833) to $US50,000 ($A68,338), will be open to applicants from her native Barbados, Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Guyana, Jamaica, and the US, who have already secured a place in a four-year bachelor's degree program at an accredited university, reports USA Today. The number of full-tuition grants handed out each year will differ depending on demand, but applications for the forthcoming 2016-2017 school year are currently being accepted via the charity's website until June 10. The lucky few winners will be announced in August. Rihanna has been raising money for the work of the Clara Lionel Foundation through her annual fundraising galas, with the inaugural black tie event taking place in Beverly Hills, California in 2014. Comedian Kevin Hart hosted the 2015 bash, which featured a performance by Lionel Richie.(FA)

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