Usher Unveils Entertainment Industry ‘Spark’ Lab In Atlanta

Usher is helping young people find their “career spark” with his new content studio in Atlanta. 

On Dec. 9, Grammy Award-winning singer and philanthropist Usher welcomed Atlanta youth to his new state-of-the-art content studio and entertainment industry club, the Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab. Designed for the city’s youth, the creative hub aims to equip young people with the skills they need to succeed in the competitive entertainment industry, according to a press release.

Located at the Joseph B. Whitehead Boys & Girls Club, the same place Usher attended as a child, the Spark Lab holds special significance for the music icon, as the Boys & Girls Club was a space that served as a source of inspiration and motivation for him, as reported by the Atlanta Voice.

“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, who launched the new content lab and studio under his nonprofit 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.” 

“We are invested in our future,” Usher added. “We’re invested in youth and I’m an example. I represent an amazing alumni.”

David Jernigan, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, gushed about the new creative space in a statement, sharing that he was excited to see how program participants utilize the space to “gain hands on” experience to excel in fields like music production, filmmaking, and photography. 

“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,” Jernigan added. 

Monday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony also marked the end of the “OMG” hitmaker’s 100-day Social Impact Tour, a tour in which the star traveled to 11 cities to inspire and motivate young people, encouraging them to follow their dreams and to find the fuel to take action with their career goals. Kicking off in August 2023, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the After School Alliance, Usher reached over 4,800 youth across major cities like Washington, D.C.; Detroit, Mich.; Philadelphia, Pa.; Oakland, Calif., Houston, Texas., Brooklyn, N.Y., and more, a press release noted.  

The Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab is just one of the many initiatives the 46-year-old musician has planned for Atlanta’s youth.

Usher is set to launch a new signature program through his nonprofit called the Entertainment Industry Club. Originally introduced by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan in 2020, this transformative workforce development and entrepreneurship program will provide youth ages 14 to 24 with hands-on training, career exploration, and real-world experiences in high-demand industries.

Participants will also be paid $15 an hour while completing 120 hours of curriculum and training, all led by industry professionals. This program’s expansion into Atlanta, alongside the Spark Lab, will continue to inspire creativity and skill-building, offering youth the tools they need to succeed in the entertainment industry.

The launch of the Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab coincided with the 25th anniversary of Usher’s New Look, the nonprofit organization founded by the R&B legend in 1999 with the support of his mother, Jonetta Patton, according to the nonprofit’s website.

Since its inception, Usher’s New Look has served as a powerful catalyst for under-resourced youth worldwide, helping them discover their passions, graduate, and unlock their full potential. Through unique mentorship and leadership programs, the organization empowers teens to rise above their circumstances, explore their potential, and find their purpose. To date, Usher’s New Look has positively impacted the lives of more than 50,000 young people, creating a global network of future leaders.

RELATED CONTENT: Usher Drops Music Video For His Afrobeats Banger ‘Ruin’