Beyonce and Jay-Z have pledged $2 million to fund college scholarships

Tiffany & Co. Chief Sustainability Officer Anisa Kamadoli Costa praised Beyoncé and JAY-Z for "Their relentless dedication to lifting underrepresented groups is the inspiration for the About Love Scholarship programme."

The funds will go to Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, Norfolk State University in Virginia, Bennett College in North Carolina, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff in Arkansas, and Central State University in Ohio, and incoming and active students must qualify for financial aid to be eligible, with priority given to those most in need.

The students must be studying for degrees in creative areas such as media, performance, visual arts and design, or in history and communications.

Applications will be available on the websites for the institutions from Friday (10.09.21) until 26 September, and the awards given will vary per student based on their financial needs.

The universities have welcomed the scholarship scheme.

Lincoln University President Dr. Brenda A. Allen said in a statement: "We would like to thank the Shawn Carter Foundation, BeyGOOD, The Carters and the Tiffany & Co. family for including Lincoln University in this amazing gift.

"Over the years, we have developed a wonderful partnership being a part of The Shawn Carter Foundation HBCU Bus Tour. Lincoln has placed a high priority on supporting the arts and humanities on our campus. Providing financial support for students pursuing these majors enhances their ability to more fully engage their studies."

And Central State University President Dr. Jack Thomas added: "We are appreciative of the support of BeyGood, the Shawn Carter Foundation, The Carters and Tiffany & Co.

"This opportunity is timely as our students come from many different socioeconomic backgrounds. These funds will have a tremendous effect on who we recruit and our students' success as they move on to graduate and professional schools and into their careers."