Diddy Will Donate $1 Million to Bronx Charter School
Diddy has a special delivery for Capital Preparatory Schools, a network of charter academies looking to set up a new location in the Bronx. The music mogul has pledged $1 million toward the opening of a new learning center in the New York borough, he announced today (Oct. 23).
The new school has been approved to open for the upcoming school year with 160 students in grades 6th-7th. The five-year plan is to increase enrollment to 650 students and expand to grades 6th through 11th. Diddy has previously worked with Capital Preparatory Schools to establish previous locations in Diddy's native Harlem and Bridgeport, Conn.
Puff discussed the importance of getting an education for kids who grow up in similar environments as he did. “I came from the same environment these kids live in every day,” he said in a statement. “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.”
"This is bigger than just me, this is my passion, this is my calling, and we still have lots of work to do ... so LET’S GOOOO!!!," he captioned an accompanying video on Instagram.
Dr. Steve Perry, founder of CPS, called the Forbes list entertainer's move motivating. “Mr. Combs’ commitment and leadership continue to inspire us," Perry said. "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.”
Check out Puff talking about his commitment below.
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