1,165 Philadelphia students going to see 'Hidden Figures' thanks to $13K donation

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- More than 1,000 Philadelphia students are getting the chance to see the Oscar-nominated film 'Hidden Figures' thanks to a $13,000 donation, the School District of Philadelphia announced Wednesday.

The donation comes from Philadelphia-based employees of businesses DuPont and Deloitte.

An online ticket code was given to 1,165 students at Science Leadership Academy, Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, and Science Leadership Academy Middle School.

The students were able to go to a free screening of 'Hidden Figures' at theaters throughout the city.

'Hidden Figures' is an uplifting drama about African-American mathematicians who aided NASA's 1960s space race, starring Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae and Octavia Spencer.

"The positive experience allowed students to learn about the contributions of African-American innovators as schools across the city celebrate Black History Month," the Philadelphia School District said in a statement.

The movie won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the 2017 Screen Actors Guild Awards. Henson closed the ceremony with a message about the movie's meaning.

"This story is about unity," Henson said. ''This story is about what happens when we put our differences aside and we come together as a human race. We win. Love wins. Every time."

'Hidden Figures' is nominated for three Oscars including Best Picture.

The 89th Oscars telecast airs on 6abc on Sunday, February 26 at 7 p.m.

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The Associated Press contributed to this story.