Puff Daddy Is About To Do Something Amazing For Kids In Harlem

On Monday, Sean John Combs, better known by his stage name Puff Daddy, announced he will be opening a charter school in his hometown of Harlem this fall, Complex reports.

The rapper began working on the Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School in 2011 with partner Steve Perry, the founder of a successful year-round academy in Hartford, Connecticut. Seeing his school finally open, Combs says, will be a “dream come true.”

In a press release, the 46-year-old explains,

I want to impact the lives of young people in my community, and build future leaders. The first step is offering access to a quality education. Every young person should have access to the tools they need to succeed. All our children should be able to pursue their dream. That is something I can impact with this school.

In keeping with Combs' goal to provide the neighborhood's children with access to a quality education, the charter school will be completely free for all attendees. As per the official website:

Capital Prep Harlem's mission is to provide historically disadvantaged students from Harlem with the college and career-readiness skills needed to become responsible and engaged citizens for social justice.

The school, which will be open for the 2016-2017 academic year, is currently accepting applications for students in the 6th and 7th grades. School officials plan to expand over the next several years, eventually serving approximately 700 students in grades 6 through 12.

Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School is located in East Harlem at 1 East 104th St. Learn more about the school and get details on the charter school system in NYC here.

Citations: Puff Daddy Is Opening a Charter School In Harlem (Complex), Sean Combs to Open Charter School in Harlem (New York Times)