
Always the philanthropist, JAY-Z is looking to arm the next generation with the tools for them to lead prosperous, enriching lives. The Shawn Carter Foundation has just announced plans to partner with the automotive manufacturer Toyota for the annual black college bus tour.
Since its inception in 2007, the program allows high school students the opportunity to visit several historically black colleges and universities around the nation, as they begin to make their college decisions. The program has aided kids from 125 schools in the New York/New Jersey area with various college prep courses, as well as the opportunity to speak with college counselors and scholars who have previously participated in the initiative. The students have visited schools in cities like Washington D.C. and Atlanta.
A rising amount of hip-hop acts have been launching philanthropic ventures, with financial, legal, and academic literacy being the focal point. 21 Savage launched the Bank Account Campaign, with the intention of teaching youths the importance of managing money. In addition to pledging money to help kids open their own bank accounts, he also promised 150 Atlanta youths jobs by June of 2019.
Earlier this year, Travis Scott also donated $100,000 to Workshop Houston, a non-profit organization that "provides youth with creative, technical and educational resources" throughout the city's Third Ward.
The Shawn Carter Foundation Bus Tour began earlier this week, with help from Hov's mom Gloria Carter. More information on the college prep program and bus tour can be found here.