Kevin Hart surprises 18 students with HBCU scholarships

Kevin Hart surprised 18 students with a scholarship aimed at supporting historically black colleges and universities, or HBCUs, and the students who attend them.

The honor is part of a $600,000 scholarship program from the United Negro College Fund launched in partnership with Hart's Help From The Hart Charity and the Knowledge Is Power Program, or KIPP, public charter schools. The scholarship was announced Aug. 7.

The award is based on students’ academic and personal achievements.

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"Research shows that HBCUs matter, and that HBCU students are having a positive college experience, but they also have an unmet financial need," United Negro College Fund CEO and president Michael L. Lomax said in a statement. "Together, Kevin and KIPP have made an investment that will have a significant impact. We can't thank them enough for their support."

Related: Listen to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s ‘HBCU Journeys’ podcast

The students receiving the Help From The Hart Charity Scholarship graduated from KIPP public charter schools in West Helena, Arkansas, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, New Orleans, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. They are attending Spelman College, Xavier University, Florida Memorial University, Morehouse College, Bethune-Cookman University, Fisk University, Tuskegee University, Lincoln University, Clark Atlanta University, Philander Smith College and Dillard University.

Hart held a surprise event for the winners in Los Angeles on Monday and took a photo with them, posting it to Instagram and giving a special shout out to students from his hometown of Philadelphia.

"Education and knowledge are powerful," Hart said in a statement. "I just wanted to do my part in providing opportunities for our future leaders, especially from my Philly hometown, and show support for HBCUs. This is just the beginning; trust me when I tell you there are a lot more kids who want to go to college who don't have the money to make it happen."

This is Hart’s second time making a donation to the United Negro College Fund. In 2015, the comedian gave UNCF $100,000 to support four students’ college educations.

Cox Media Group