Kevin Hart gifts college scholarships to Philadelphia students

(AP/WTXF) - Eight Philadelphia students received a welcome surprise Monday night when comedian Kevin Hart announced a new scholarship program to help send them to college.

The students were among a group of 18 receiving scholarships thanks to the actor's "Help From the Hart Charity."

Hart joined forces with the United Negro College Fund and KIPP - Knowledge Is Power Program - to help the students earn their college degrees. The new $600,000 scholarship program will provide funding to support KIPP students from eight cities attending 11 historically black colleges and universities.

The recipients were selected based on their academic and personal accomplishments.

In a statement Tuesday, Hart notes that education and knowledge are powerful. He says he just wanted to do his part in providing opportunities for future leaders.