Usher's New Look: Shaping Future Stars

Usher's New Look, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic mobility through entertainment careers, has reached over 50,000 young people worldwide. Founded in 1999, it has evolved into a robust workforce development platform.

The organization's structured pipeline model, beginning with Spark Club for ages 14-17 and advancing to the Entertainment Industry Club for ages 18-24, emphasizes access, training, and real-world experience. Participants gain industry-backed credentials and professional networks, culminating in tangible capstone projects.

A significant collaboration with BET and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit was announced in August 2026. This partnership aims to cultivate new talent by offering direct exposure and experience within the entertainment sector.

During BET Awards Week 2026, four interns from the Entertainment Industry Club joined the BET Next Gen cohort. They gained firsthand experience in various departments, including communications, social media, and production, assisting with one of the industry's major live television events.

This initiative is set to become a year-round leadership and workforce development program anchored in Atlanta and Detroit. It will provide dedicated training spaces, executive mentorship, and industry certifications, building on the success of the Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition.