Usher Gives Youth a New Look at Life

This week 18 Detroit teenagers are getting the opportunity of their lives, thanks to Usher. On Monday, they traveled to Emory University in Atlanta for the start of two weeks at Camp New Look. The camp, organized by the R&B star's New Look Foundation, aims to teach the students skills that will help them succeed in the sports and entertainment businesses.

This is the first time kids from Detroit have participated. These 18 join 125 others from around the country who have taken part in the past. And this year is a good year to be involved; the students are attending for free thanks to a red-carpet fundraiser sponsored by MGM Grand Detroit.

Usher started the New Look Foundation to have a bigger impact on the lives of youth than he could do through one-off donations to other organizations. The foundation aims to spark students' enthusiasm by offering training in fields that young people are often drawn to. As the website states, "Our initial — and ongoing — approach was to provide young people with a new look on life through education and real-world experiences. We build upon their interest in athletics, music and entertainment." (While you're at the site, pick up some limited edition Armani Usher dog tags or a copy of the song "Camp New Look" for $0.99.

Anyway, I imagine meeting Usher (do they get to?) wouldn't hurt their enthusiasm levels either.

Photo courtesy of tixgirl on flickr.