Rihanna 'thrilled' to launch global scholarship program as she gears up for Billboard Music Awards performance

Rihanna revealed on Thursday that she will perform at the Billboard Music Awards on May 22, but that's not all she's got up her sleeve.
And now Rihanna, one of the biggest stars on the planet, has proved she has a lot more to offer than just her voice.
The 28-year-old superstar also announced this week that she has launched a global scholarship program to help students achieve their fullest academic potential
The program is in collaboration with the Clara Lionel Foundation and the applications are now open for people to obtain their college degree.
They will award full scholarships to young people in Barbados, Brazil, Cuba, Haiti, Guyana, Jamaica and the United States providing them with the opportunity to receive an education anywhere in the United States.
The singer said in a statement: 'To be able to give the gift of an education is actually an honor.'
'Higher education will help provide perspective, opportunities and learning to a group of kids who really deserve it. I am thrilled to be able to do this,' she continued.
Meanwhile, Rihanna will also perform at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards, which will take place Sunday, May 22 on ABC.
Her performance will happen almost a decade after she had her first number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with her single SOS in 2006.
Rihanna, who is currently on her Anti tour, will join the likes of Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, DNCE, Fifth Harmony, The Go-Go's, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes, Pink, Britney Spears, Troye Sivan and Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani.
Madonna will also perform as a tribute to Prince.
This year’s ceremony will be hosted by Ludacris and first-time host Ciara. The show will be produced by dick clark productions.