Jay-Z is helping low-income students earn $300 million in scholarships, this is how

Roc Nation has been involved in several philanthropic activities. The company, led by Jay-Z, is turning its attention to Philadelphia, focusing on the education of low-income students.

Roc Nation has announced plans to lead a multi-million-dollar educational campaign for underprivileged students in Philadelphia. The company plans to assist students in unlocking about $300 million in scholarships, according to CBS News .

This will give underprivileged kids in grades K–12 the opportunity to attend prestigious private schools and various educational institutions across Philadelphia. In this regard, the company has commenced an awareness campaign that will run from June 10 to June 21 throughout the greater Philadelphia area. The new campaign falls under the PASS program (Pennsylvania Award for Student Success), which is also known as Senate Bill 757. PASS is legislation “aimed at increasing education opportunities for underprivileged youth attending the state’s lowest-performing public schools.”

“We have enjoyed such a special connection with Philadelphians, so we’ve made it our mission to invest in the long-term success of the city’s changemakers,” said Roc Nation Managing Director of Philanthropy Dania Diaz in a statement. “Impact starts with the students and with awareness. We want to empower the youth and families with the knowledge to pursue their scholastic dreams, make their voices heard, and become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Scholarships for the students will vary depending on their age group and education level. According to Billboard , “half-day kindergarteners will receive $2,500, K–8th graders get $5,000, while high schoolers can secure $10,000. Special needs children of any age will be eligible to collect $15,000 in scholarship funding. For a student to be able to receive a scholarship, their family cannot make more than 250 percent of the federal poverty threshold, which currently sits at $75,000 for families of four.”

This won’t be the first time Roc Nation is involved in uplifting people in the Philadelphia area. It has long established ties with Philadelphia through its annual Made in America Festival, which launched in 2012 but has been on pause since 2023.

Also, the organization has worked with the city’s REFORM Alliance on legislation that has helped transform Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system.

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