On Tuesday, the star announced that he will be giving $1 million to open a new Capital Prep charter school. This one, in Bronx, New York, will join his two existing charter schools in Bridgeport, Connecticut and Harlem.
The school has gained approval for a September opening with 160 6th and 7th graders. Capital Prep is planning to expand that to 650 students in grades 6 through 11 over the next five years.
In a statement, Diddy said:
I came from the same environment these kids live in every day. I understand the importance of access to a great education, and the critical role it plays in a child’s future. Our school provides historically disadvantaged students with the college and career skills needed to become responsible and engaged citizens for social justice.
Dr. Perry of Capital Prep said:
Mr. Combs’ commitment and leadership continue to inspire us. On behalf of the Capital Prep students, parents and teachers I want to express our sincerest gratitude for such a generous gift. We know that the families in the Bronx deserve a high-quality academic alternative to their current system. In fact, 40% of our applicants to our Capital Prep Harlem school, 600 kids, have come from the Bronx so there is a real need to serve students in this area. Mr. Combs wanted to open schools to develop leaders. What he’s done with his investment is embody what we expect students to do, which is to invest their resources in our communities.
It’s great to see celebrities giving back to help underprivileged kids in the only way that can truly effect long-term change: through providing access to a quality education.
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