The scholarship identifies rising juniors or seniors from underrepresented populations who are interested in pursuing a career in music, theatre or dance and who have demonstrated strong talent. Each recipient will have the chance to earn up to a two-year scholarship worth $3,000-$5,000 per year to complete their degree.

“It’s challenging to find a pathway to a career in the performing arts when you don’t see yourself represented on that stage,” says Lin-Manuel Miranda. “That’s why it’s so important to create opportunities for students who are typically underrepresented in the arts. Rhode Island College is the right place to do this because of its track record of promoting top artistic talent in its music, theater and dance programs while making quality arts education attainable for students from all backgrounds.”

The inaugural five recipients are: Claudius Cooper, senior music major; Brandon McCorory-Joseph, junior dance performance major; Orlando Montalvo, junior music performance major; Alexander “Crespo” Rosario, junior musical theatre and dance performance major; and Andrea Vargas, senior theatre major.

“We are beyond grateful to Lin-Manuel, Luis, and the entire Miranda family for their investment in the next generation of artistic talent being developed at Rhode Island College,” says President Sánchez. “Recognition from an artist of this caliber reinforces Rhode Island College’s status as a first-choice institution for arts education. It is a testament to the potential of our students and the tremendous work of our faculty, most of whom are working professionals in their fields.”

This article originally appeared on Look To The Stars.

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While teaming up with Prizeo and Charitybuzz, the Tony, Emmy, and Grammy-award winning star launched a charity initiative to raffle off tickets to “Hamilton.”

Earlier this week, Miranda announced that the contest raised more than $2 million for charity. A majority of the funds benefit the Hispanic Federation, which is a nonprofit that supports Hispanic families and youth across the country.

Money was raised through the online giving platforms where fans could enter to win tickets with a $10 donation or bid on the prize, which includes tickets to Miranda’s final performance as Alexander Hamilton on Saturday, July 9.

#regram @davidkorins: “1 yr ago today, the intrepid cast of @HamiltonMusical took their first offical bow at @PublicTheaterNY.” #HamiltonBway #RiseUp

A photo posted by Hamilton (@hamiltonmusical) on Feb 17, 2016 at 8:58pm PST

“You put money towards a good cause and look what came back!  We did it together, and here we are,” Miranda said. “You’re going to come with us. You’re going to come to the last show, you’re going to come to the party after!  It’s all happening.”

Todd Wagner, founder and chairman of the Charity Network, which supports Charitybuzz and Prizeo, said that this is one of the most successful initiatives to date.

“The Hamilton campaign is an excellent example of the work the Charity Network can do to help influential and talented celebrities like Lin-Manuel Miranda leverage awareness and raise funds for causes close to their hearts,” Wagner said. “We are so proud to work with and celebrate not only his success with Hamilton, but also to help champion the work that Hispanic Federation is able to do.”

Photo Credit: Instagram (@HamiltonMusical)

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