Usher’s new look is a  non-profit organization founded by Usher Raymond IV developing global youth leaders through access, awareness and empowerment, launched a cutting edge, digital education course for high school students, entitled Music Industry Leadership 101.  MIL 101 exposes students to over 30 careers in the music and entertainment industry, providing them with unprecedented direction and guidance to be successful in whichever career path they choose.

“Over the past 15 years, New Look has worked to instil in our youth leaders the importance of receiving an education.  To see students who once had little motivation to go to class now thriving as a result of our program is one of the most fulfilling gifts,” said Usher Raymond IV.  “Our goal in developing Music Industry Leadership 101, is to give students access to one of the most relevant and engaging online courses today, and motivate them to stay in school.”

Music Industry Leadership 101 is a full credit-earning course, blended or supplemental solution for high school students developed in partnership with Beanstalk Innovation.  The Pilot Program, which launched earlier this month, will reach more than 2,000 students around the country.  MIL 101 combines e-learning with face-to-face instruction, thus creating an opportunity to fundamentally change the way students are prepared for and trained for college and their careers.  The curriculum aligns with new Common Core academic standards and state standards for Career and Technical Education (CTE).  MIL 101 will launch in the following school districts this fall: Gwinnett County Public Schools, GA; Wake County Public Schools, NC; Polk County Public Schools, FL; and Henry County Public Schools, GA.

“Usher’s New Look, through its Music Industry Leadership 101 course, will provide the students of Polk County Public Schools a unique opportunity to acquire a competitive skill set that will lead them into a career within the entertainment, music and marketing industries,” said Kathy LeRoy, Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools.  “Polk County students will learn the persistence and leadership skills required to be successful entrepreneurs in the ever growing entertainment industry.”

The structure of Music Industry Leadership 101 encourages students to learn, practice and apply their key findings through interesting and relevant content, learning exercises and real-life experiences told first hand by leading industry experts.  The topics of the course focus on understanding the industry, learning to identify your brand, the importance of marketing, career exploration and leadership, and teamwork in the industry.  Highly regarded industry executives participating in the course include: Kenny Meiselas, renowned entertainment industry lawyer; Jarrod Moses, CEO of United Entertainment Group; DJ Steve Porter, graphic designer DL Warfield and more.