Famed New York-area rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent announced a partnership with Houston officials to gift a sizable donation to fund jobs and training for youth in the community through a new program titled G-Star.
The media mogul revealed that he was moving south to Houston earlier this month on social media. During a press conference on Monday, the Get Rich Or Die Trying artist joined Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner in announcing that his $300,000 gift will go toward business-ready programs at three local high schools that have struggled academically, according to ABC-affiliate KTRK.
"These programs will really get people excited to learn again after everything that's been going on," the rapper said, referencing the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative will also provide paid internships and opportunities for students to network with business leaders, the Houston Independent School District said.
#HISD is partnering with City of Houston and @50cent to launch the inaugural G-Star program. Launching at @WeLoveWheatley, @WorthingColts1, and @KashmereHS next school year, offering students PAID internships and opportunity to connect with business leaders and 50 Cent himself. pic.twitter.com/6U487LkOJ7
— Houston ISD (@HoustonISD) May 17, 2021
"A quality of education is one of the best tools we can give students to succeed in the classroom and in their future professional career," Turner said. "We want to create additional opportunities for young people who are going to be the scientists, entrepreneurs, engineers of the future."
The program, which will debut at Wheatley, Worthing and Kashmere high schools in Houston, aims to nurture business acumen and instill necessary skills into the students. The program also looks to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship while providing local youth with courses at the college level.
“The kids that won’t listen to nobody, will listen to me, we come out of the same kinda confusion,” 50 wrote in an Instagram post. “This program is just gonna show them how to win. #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi.”
In the future, the artist, born as Curtis Jackson, said he believes the programs will only grow and expand much larger than the initial launch size.
"It's three schools right now, but it's going to be a lot more, just watch me," he said.
Additionally, during the press conference, the mayor proudly welcomed the New York-native to the city.
"I am honored to be your mayor," Turner said.
“This program is another platform to help build the leaders and workforce of the future. Educational opportunities play a key role in Houston’s quality of life,” the mayor added in his statement.
The 45-year-old’s educational program has been in development for over two years, and he plans to establish a network across the country in the future, according to HipHop DX.
The entrepreneur's charity, G-Unity Foundation, a partner in the Houston program’s launch, works to improve the quality of life for low-income communities in America.
“I’ve spent years donating my time and energy to communities in need. I started G-Unity to do the same—to give back to kids so they have it a little easier than I did,” the rapper wrote for the foundation’s website. “Team building and entrepreneurship are skills I learned along the way, but they are so important to develop early. I look forward to G-Unity supporting programs that are doing the crucial work of teaching kids to excel at life.”
