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Rihanna is stunning and a killer performer, but the diva isn’t all about her good looks and musical talent. With all of the millions of dollars that she’s made throughout her career, she’s chosen to give some of it back. 

The star founded the Clara Lionel Foundation in 2012. The foundation funds emergency and educational programs around the world. Among them is the Clara Lionel Foundation Global Scholarship Program, also known as the Rihanna Scholarship. 

What Is the Rihanna Scholarship?

The Rihanna Scholarship brings exceptional international students to study abroad in the U.S.

The program awards students with scholarship money to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the United States.

To be eligible for the scholarship program, students must be:

  • A citizen or native of Brazil, Barbados, Cuba, Haiti, Grenada, Guyana, or Jamaica. Finalists need to provide a copy of their birth certificate.
  • A first-time freshman student pursuing a bachelor’s degree full-time
  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA for scholarship renewal.
  • Eligible to receive funding per the Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Employees and family members of the Clara Lionel Foundation may not apply.

How Much Is the Scholarship Award?

The Rihanna Scholarship awards students with a scholarship ranging from $5,000-$50,000. Scholarships may be renewed for three years or until the student finishes their bachelor’s degree.

Application

Applicants need to include the following in their Rihanna Scholarship application:

  • Current transcript of grades
  • Completed Applicant Appraisal Form
  • Copy of acceptance letter to a four-year college or university

How Are Finalists Selected?

Finalists are selected for academic excellence, leadership, and work experience. They should also be involved in their school and community.

Applicants are also judged on their personal statement. They must write a personal statement on their educational goals and family circumstances. Personal statements are a critical part of a scholarship application. Learn how you can write a personal statement that will wow the scholarship committee.

A selection committee of the Clara Lionel Foundation chooses scholarship winners.

Scholarship Deadline

Applicants must submit all materials by June 10, 2020.

Final Thoughts

Rihanna’s scholarship gives foreign students an opportunity to study in the United States. These are students who wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise. If you dream of pursuing your bachelor’s degree in the U.S., this scholarship is a good one to look at, as it can help you pay for a significant part of your degree.