The new celebrity pet project: schools

The Future. Celebrities like George Clooney, Dr. Dre, and Pharrell Williams are adding a new line to their resumes: educators. These entertainers are opening up everything from magnet schools within the public school system to charter schools in underrepresented communities to teach entertainment job skills. The path to good jobs in Hollywood and music are usually pretty hazy for people outside the industry… and these schools could be key in training up a diverse workforce.

Think of the kids
L.A. schools are getting an A-list upgrade.

• Roybal School of Film and Television Production. Founded by George Clooney and producer Grant Heslov (in partnership with a lot of other big names), this magnet school aims to help support diverse communities and create a track to plentiful, good below-the-line jobs on productions, including VFX and editing.
• Regional High School No. 1 (working title). An offshoot of the USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology, and Business of Innovation, Iovine and Dr. Dre.’s upcoming magnet school will focus on merging business and technology in the realm of music and opens next year.

Additionally, LeBron James set up his own innovative school back home in Akron, Ohio. Sean “Diddy” Combs opened three Capital Preparatory Schools in New York and Connecticut, and Pharrell Williams is opening a school called Yellowhab in Norfolk, Virginia.

Looks like it’s no longer good enough to just write a big check of support once a year.