Global superstar and philanthropist USHER celebrated the conclusion of his impactful 100-day Social Impact Tour with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta, unveiling a new Content Studio and Entertainment Industry Club for youth. This milestone event reflects USHER’s commitment to empowering young people through meaningful opportunities and workforce development. The tour, which kicked off last August in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the After School Alliance, has reached over 4,800 youth across 11 cities including Washington, D.C.; Detroit, MI; Philadelphia, PA; Oakland, CA, Houston, TX, Brooklyn, NY and more.
“This Social Impact Tour marks a significant milestone in the evolution of USHER’s New Look and our mission to help young people discover their career spark,” said Shawn H. Wilson, Co-Founder of USHER’s New Look. “We are proud to have far exceeded our initial goal of reaching 3,000 youth, inspiring over 4,800 young people nationally through this tour.”
As part of the Social Impact Tour culminating event, Usher will cut the ribbon on the Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.
“Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta is thrilled to announce this year’s much-anticipated launch of the Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab,” said David Jernigan, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “Usher’s Spark Lab will not only be a resource to our Club members, but also a space where they can gain hands-on experiences in fields like music production, filmmaking, photography, and more. This initiative perfectly aligns with our mission to ignite the unlimited potential of kids and teens by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments, empowering them to find their spark and pursue their passions.”
In addition to the Spark Lab, USHER’S New Look is also announcing the launch of a new signature program, the Entertainment Industry Club, which is a transformative workforce development and entrepreneurship program first introduced by Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan in 2020. This innovative program has since become a national model, empowering youth ages 14 to 24 with hands-on training, career exploration, and real-world experiences in high-demand industries. Participants earn $15 an hour while completing 120 hours of curriculum and training led by industry professionals. The expansion of this program continues with the Atlanta launch, which includes the state-of-the-art Spark Lab to inspire creativity and skill-building.
“Returning to the Boys & Girls Clubs, where I discovered my passion, and launching this program in Atlanta is a full-circle moment for me,” said USHER Raymond IV, Founder of USHER’s New Look. “The Spark Lab and Entertainment Industry Club is about providing our youth with the tools, confidence, and opportunities they need to turn their dreams into reality. It’s an honor to help inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators through After School programs”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated the 25-year legacy of USHER’s New Look and its unwavering dedication to transforming the lives of under-resourced youth through comprehensive, passion-driven leadership programs. With the Entertainment Industry Club set to launch in 2025, this initiative reaffirms USHER’s ongoing commitment to creating brighter futures for young people nationwide.
Jenn Goicoechea, Phillana Williams, Jason Winston, Usher, Jonnetta Patton and guests attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab at Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club
(Photos by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Boys & Girls Club)
