5 Celebrity Scholarships (That Are Actually Sponsored by Celebrities)

Celebrities have it all - fame, money, power. They have the freedom to do things that most of us could not get away with, and handle outrageous amounts of money. It almost makes you think, “What would you even do with all of that money?”

Some celebrities choose to spend their cash on clothes, homes, or cars. Others decide to spend their money to help people in need. One way that celebrities do this is by creating scholarships. At a time when tuition costs continue to rise to outlandish amounts, a number of celebrities are stepping up to help high school and college students get an education. Check out this list to see if a celebrity could potentially pay your way through college!

1. The Formation Scholars Program - Beyoncé

She sings, she dances, she’s a humanitarian, she’s a busy mom - seriously, what can’t Beyoncé do? To celebrate the one-year anniversary of her mega-successful album, Lemonade, Beyoncé launched the Formation Scholars Program to help young women pay for school.

Award: Four awards of $25,000

Available to: Female incoming or current undergraduate or graduate students studying creative arts, music, literature, or African-American studies at Berklee College of Music, Howard University, Parsons School of Design, or Spelman College.

2. The Shawn Carter Foundation (i.e. The Jay Z Scholarship)

As the second half of one the world’s most famous power couples, Jay Z has the same idea as his lady regarding education. The Shawn Carter Foundation was established in 2003 in hopes to help students who fall below the national poverty line with their college costs. Recipients of Jay Z’s scholarship are encouraged to give back to their communities by serving as mentors or performing volunteer services.

Award: Varies

Available to: High school seniors, students with GED diplomas, undergraduate, or vocational or trade school students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, are 25 years old or younger, and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.

3. Gates Millennium Scholars Program - Bill and Melinda Gates

Bill Gates basically has all of the money in the world, and isn’t shy about spending it. Bill and his wife Melinda are well-known philanthropists, and one of the ways that they use their money for good is through the Gates Millennium Scholars Program.

Award: 1,000 awards of various amounts determined by financial need

Available to: Outstanding minority (African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American) students pursuing any area of interest or graduate students studying computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public heath, or science.

4. The LeBron James Family Foundation - LeBron James

LeBron James is one of the most widely known sports names in the world, but he doesn’t let it go to his head. The LeBron James Family Foundation is centered around the basketball star’s hometown of Akron, OH, and helps students pay for their college expenses at the University of Akron. James provides mentorship for Akron third graders and follows their school progress all the way to their senior year of high school.

Award: Multiple scholarships of tuition and fees for four years at the University of Akron

Available to: Students who graduate from an Akron public school with a minimum GPA and standardized test score.

5. Alec Baldwin Drama Scholarship – Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin has made a huge name for himself on the big screen as well as the small screen. As a lover of the arts, Baldwin announced a $1 million donation to the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (which just happens to be his alma mater) to be put into funding for the Alec Baldwin Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is geared towards helping low-income students with good academic standing at the university.

Award: Varies

Available to: Students attending New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts