Rapper Megan Thee Stallion has teamed up with Frito-Lay’s Flamin’ Hot brand to raise money for her alma mater, Texas Southern University, reports Ad Age.
In a new ad campaign, Megan plays a dean at Flamin’ Hot University, also known as “FU.” And the fictitious university hopes to bring in real dollars to launch a HBCU scholarship fund of up to $150,000 for Texas Southern University students.
The faux university has its very own website, complete with “courses” for photo posing, snack and food ideas, as well as tips for how to be a content creator.
In addition to opportunities to purchase Flamin’ Hot snacks, the campaign is also raising money through the sale of merchandise. Designer Melody Ehsani created six branded items for the campaign, including a varsity jacket, sweater, and shorts.
Currently the Houston-based Texas Southern University’s estimated cost of attendance for students is about $28,870 to $42,580 for the 2023-2024 school year. The goal is to help alleviate some of that financial burden, especially as student loan payments are set to resume this October after a three-year pause.
“Student loans can create a significant burden on college graduates – especially at HBCUs where students graduate with 19% more debt than those at non-HBCUs. The Flamin’ Hot University scholarship fund at TSU was designed to ease some of the financial pressures student loans bring so graduates can focus on unleashing their hottest potential,” said Tina Mahal, senior VP of marketing at Frito-Lay.
The partnership is the latest in PepsiCo’s committed investment in HBCUs. The company previously closed a six-year deal with the Southwestern Athletic Conference to become the exclusive beverage, sports performance product, and salty snacks sponsor of SWAC football, basketball, Olympic sports, and esports.
In addition to the TSU scholarship fund in partnership with Megan, Flamin’ Hot will also make a separate donation of $100,000 to the rapper’s Pete and Thomas Foundation, which aims to assist women, children, seniors, and underserved communities in Houston.
You can learn more information about the partnership here.
Photo by Flamin’ Hot