will.i.am meets youngsters on the Get Started with Music Prince's Trust course in Stratford

Musician and The Voice judge will.i.am will give away most of the money he made from the BBC talent show to disadvantaged youngsters in east London.

will.i.am meets youngsters on the Get Started in Music Prince's Trust course in Stratford

The Black Eye Peas frontman – who recently visited a development course run by the charity in Stratford – has announced he is to donate £500,000 to The Prince’s Trust.

After his Stratford visit, will.i.am spoke to Prince Charles at Clarence House to discuss how his i.am Angel Foundation could support the charity. He said: “As a judge on The Voice, the people of the UK have welcomed me into their sitting rooms week after week and I feel very much at home here.

“Working with the trust, I am joining the mission to help transform the lives of disadvantaged young people living in under-privileged neighbourhoods in the UK.

“My donation to the trust will help these young people build skills that are vital in today’s and tomorrow’s job market including technology and computer knowledge.”

A spokesman for the charity said it was now in the process of deciding where in east London the money will go.

The funds will enable the trust to improve support to young people on its education programme xl, its Enterprise programme and its personal development Fairbridge programme, encouraging and developing key computer skills.

The courses support vulnerable and unemployed young people to move into work, education or training.

will.i.am added: “I grew up in east Los Angeles, one of the most under-served and tough neighbourhoods in America.

“My family made sure I understood that getting a good education and hard work were key to turning my dreams into reality and beating the odds that come with growing up in a disadvantaged situation.”

Martina Milburn, chief executive of the trust, added: “will.i.am is an inspiring character – we’re excited about his vision of helping the most disadvantaged to improve their computer skills and we’re incredibly grateful for the donation.”