Diddy pledges $1 million for Bronx charter school

Harlem native, music producer, vodka mogul and entrepreneur Sean Combs, also known as Diddy (and more recently as Brother Love), has pledged $1 million to a network of charter schools for a new location in the Bronx.

Capital Preparatory Schools received approval to open the school in September for 160 students in grades 6 and 7, according to an announcement Tuesday. The school’s goal over the next 5 years is to expand to 650 students in grades 6 through 11.

Combs has been a longtime advocate for education, working closely with Capital Prep founder Steve Perry to expand the network. Capital Prep already has schools in Harlem and in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Diddy says he learned firsthand the importance of quality education growing up.

“I came from the same environment these kids live in every day,” he said. “I understand the importance of access to a great education, and the critical role it plays in a child’s future. Our school provides historically disadvantaged students with the college and career skills needed to become responsible and engaged citizens for social justice.”