On Monday night, actor and comedian Kevin Hart surprised 18 charter school students by announcing that he would be helping to provide  $600,000 to help with their college expenses through the Hart Charity Scholarship. These students are part of the KIPP Charter School network and will be attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) to pursue their degrees.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Hart said:

Education and knowledge are powerful. 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.

We are so happy to announce our partnership with @kevinhart4real and @uncf! The $600,000 Help From The Hart Charity Scholarship will help 18 KIPP students earn their degrees at #HBCUs! Last night, Kevin Hart surprised our students at a dinner to celebrate their awards! They had no clue that this was his scholarship. SWIPE ⬅️ to see their priceless reactions! #YoungGiftedandBlack #HelpFromTheHart

A post shared by KIPP Schools (@kippschools) on Aug 7, 2018 at 8:26am PDT

Yesterday I surprised 18 #HBCU with scholarships to complete their college degrees…. major thank you to my partners @UNCF @kippschools for helping me…. you guys stepped up to the table and matched my donation and we awarded 600,000….also thank u @jessecollinsent for helping us coordinate this event…..this is just the beginning people!!!! My “Help From The Hart Charity” is about to do a lot more!!!!! #LiveLoveLaugh …..I’m also proud of the 8 Kids from Philadelphia that received these scholarships ….STAND UP PHILLY!!!!!

A post shared by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Aug 7, 2018 at 7:11am PDT

“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 Tuesday.  “Together, Kevin and KIPP have made an investment that will have a significant impact. We can’t thank them enough for their support.”

Students were chosen based on grades and personal achievements.