Hip-hop mogul 50 Cent made Texas one of his permanent residences earlier this year and announced he had a few business ventures popping off in Houston as well.
The rapper-turned-television executive jumped right into the heart of the community and the inner city when he arrived in May and immediately partnered with Houston Independent School District, Horizon United and his G-Unity Foundation to launch the inaugural G-Star program at Wheatley, Worthing and Kashmere high schools.
The artist born Curtis Jackson donated $300K through the business-ready G-Star programs to the three HISD high schools that have historically underperformed academically. HISD matched G Unity Foundation’s $300K donation, which brought the total gift to $600K.
Students gain access to the G-Unity Business Lab, where 50 Cent has popped up on occasion to mentor student entrepreneurs. The program also offers students paid internships and opportunities to connect with business leaders in hopes of inspiring a new generation of business owners. The program has been a success and 50 Cent shared a few pictures of the students and their teachers on Instagram.
“66 of my 75 kids have a job now @gunitybusinesslab 👏👏👏😏 Houston i’m so proud of this program 3 ward, 5 ward let’s get it 💰,” posted the MC.
The 12-week program is based on curriculum from 50 Cent’s book Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter. The G-Unit boss was excited when the program first launched because he wanted to make an impact on kids who came from the same harsh environments that he came from.
“This entrepreneur program will be a success. Houston independent school district is lit i’m just getting started. The kids that won’t listen to nobody, will listen to me, we come out of the same kinda confusion. This program is just gonna show them how to win,” the “Power” creator previously posted on Instagram.
Check out some of the photos of students and teachers from the thriving G-Star program.
