Beyoncé offers Formation Scholarships to female students to celebrate Lemonade anniversary

Beyoncé has launched a new scholarship programme for young women to mark the one-year anniversary of her acclaimed album, Lemonade.

The pop superstar has decided to help out four under-privileged women in the US by creating her own ‘Formation’ programme.

Announcing the news this week, Beyoncé revealed that she would be awarding the full grants to those who wish to study music, the creative arts, African-American studies and literature.

She said that the programme is to “encourage and support young women who are unafraid to think outside the box and are bold, creative, conscious, and confident".

The singer continued: “To add to the celebration of the one-year anniversary of Lemonade, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter announces the establishment of Formation Scholar awards for the 2017-2018 academic year.

The successful candidates will be awarded places at Berklee College of Music, Howard University, Parsons School of Design, and Spelman College.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama was quick to offer her support, writing on Twitter: “Always inspired by your powerful contributions Beyonce. You are a role model for us all. Thank you for investing in our girls.”

Beyoncé won a number of Grammy Awards for last year’s album, Lemonade, on which she discusses African-American rights and women’s rights.

The pop superstar, who announced that she was pregnant with twins earlier this year, recently pulled out of her slot headline slot at Coachella and was replaced by Lady Gaga.