Atlanta rapper Future visited a group of soon-to-be college freshmen to tell them they won his “I’m Still a Dreamer” scholarship contest, which he started last month through his FreeWishes Foundation.
The purpose of the scholarship program is to help lessen the financial burden caused by COVID-19 for families preparing to send one of their own to college for the first time this year.
In a video that was published on YouTube, Wednesday, Aug. 12, Future and others can be seen visiting some of the recipients’ homes with a large check that displayed their $2,500 awards.
The “Life is Good” rapper can be seen in the clip congratulating the winners, taking photos with them, and speaking with their families. Future and his team also came with balloons and foam party spray, making the announcement look like a Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes winning.
“I just want to say thank you for this scholarship opportunity, and I just hope you bless others with this scholarship,” said one of the recipients in the clip.
“Thank you. I’m honestly so grateful for this,” another winner stated. “This is going to go a long way.”
The six students who received the scholarship money are all attending schools in Georgia. Three awards went to Taia Virginia Galloway, Jaela Curtis, and Alexis Thomas-Fitzgerald, who are all heading to Kennesaw State University.
Sydel Idehen, who’s attending Mercer University, is another winner, as is Khadijah Muhammad, who’s heading to Agnes Scott College. Ryann Seabrook Phillips, who also won, is going to Spelman College.
“The students who were awarded the ‘I’m Still a Dreamer’ scholarship are very deserving,” said Future in a press release. “We really wish them continued success as they pursue their college education.”
“It’s only the beginning of a bright future for those who believe,” explained Future’s mother Stephanie Jester, FreeWishes co-founder.
Last year, while on his “Legendary Nights Tour,” Future awarded a scholarship to someone in each city. But with concerts being canceled because of COVID-19, he wasn’t able to do the same this year, hence the launch of the “I’m Still a Dreamer” scholarship contest.
Before announcing the scholarship, Future — born Nayvadius Wilburn — helped to donate protective masks to nearly 100,000 health care workers, patients, families, and children through his Mask On campaign.
The masks were made by Atlanta Sewing Style, a sewing organization based in metro Atlanta.
