Nick Cannon surprised seven college students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by agreeing to wipe out their student debt on “The Nick Cannon Show.”

The television personality — who recently graduated from Howard University in 2020 — shared the brightest minds attend HBCUs, but crippling student debt can be a jarring obstacle students face upon their graduation.

“I am so proud to be a part of an incredible legacy of HBCU graduates. Historically Black Colleges and Universities have played a pivotal role in developing some of the brightest minds and influencers of our time but the next generation of college students are concerned that the price of their education may be a little too high,” Cannon revealed in the opening segment.

Seven HBCU students had the opportunity to share their testimonials which compelled them to attend an HBCU. Homelessness, toxic home environments and more were cited as personal struggles serving as the stepping stone for their pursuit of higher education.

“This is really full circle for me. I’ve always wanted to be someone who was able to tell my story because there is a little girl out there who is going to be watching and she’s going to be trying to figure how she could be in a position I’m in. I am going to tell her to listen you just gotta do it,” one of the students, Sharandica Midcalf, revealed while wiping tears from her eyes.

The students concluded their message by revealing their alarming student debt. Little did they know the surprise that would follow. In an unexpected announcement, Cannon shared he would commit to paying their outstanding debt with the help of a partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the United Negro College Fund.

“Once you earn your college degree, we’re wiping out your personal student debt — every single penny,” Cannon said.

The recipients of the scholarship can be found below.

Sharandica Midcalf

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