The Cosby Show star will speak with high school students as part of a new campaign for the Black Belt Community Foundation, which is named after the region in Alabama where low income and high unemployment have crippled the community.

On Friday (15May15), Cosby will also join a march across the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, the site of a bloody civil rights protest 50 years ago highlighted by director Ava DuVernay's stirring film Selma.

Foundation president Felecia Lucky praises Cosby's dedication to education amid his troubles in a statement which reads: "We are so grateful for the gift of Dr. Cosby and the opportunity to showcase it on a national stage. But at the end of the day the main focus is that Black Belt children matter."

Cosby and his wife Camille have been staunch supporters of education for decades, donating millions to colleges and offering scholarship grants through their own foundation.

The Alabama visit comes as the veteran comedian faces allegations from more than 30 women, who have come forward with decades-old accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate behaviour.

The actor's representatives have maintained the star's innocence. He has never been charged with any crime relating to the claims.