Travis Scott gives back with HBCU scholarships for students
Travis Scott is paying it forward with the launch of his nonprofit, The Cactus Jack Foundation.
Through the organization, the "Sicko Mode" rapper hopes to shape the next generation of youth by providing educational and creative resources. As part of that effort, he's launching the HBCU Waymon Webster scholarship program, named after Scott's grandfather.
The 29-year-old rapper, born Jacques Berman Webster II, will select students who are facing financial hardship and have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and will take care of their tuition costs.
The first round of recipients chosen came from Morehouse College, Howard University, Texas Southern University, Grambling State University, his mother’s alma mater, and Prairie View A&M University, where his father attended.
Speaking about the initiative, Scott, who dropped out of the University of Texas during his sophomore year to pursue music, said, "My grandfather wanted me to take it all the way through college, I feel there is a power in education so to be able to give someone the opportunity to fulfill that dream as my papa thought for me is amazing."
In addition to the scholarship program, the Houston native also announced a partnership with The New School's Parsons School of Design.
The joint effort which will bring a fashion design curriculum to Houston high schoolers. And, for elementary schools, The Cactus Jack Foundation is working with the city to launch Cactus Jack Gardens, a community-based program where students will learn agricultural economics and nutritional skills.
