Usher's New Look Foundation has partnered up with the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Detroit

Usher’s nonprofit Usher’s New Look (UNL) has teamed up with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit (BGCGD) to launch a new workforce development initiative aimed at opening doors into the entertainment industry.

The program, titled Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition, is being introduced as part of Usher’s 2026 North American R&B tour. Organizers say it’s a first-of-its-kind effort designed to fast-track career opportunities for young adults interested in behind-the-scenes roles in live entertainment.

A select group of 10 interns, ages 18 and older, will be chosen from Detroit and Atlanta to participate. The cohort will receive hands-on experience in critical touring functions, including production, wardrobe, multimedia, operations, and community engagement.

Before joining the tour, interns will complete a pre-tour training program focused on professional standards, safety protocols, and job-specific skills. Once on the road, they will contribute directly to the execution of live shows.

In addition to the internship, the initiative will expand its reach nationwide through Spark Sessions: “Making of the Tour.” These sessions will be hosted at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, giving youth an inside look at the planning and business of live touring.

“The live touring industry is a multi-billion-dollar global business—yet access to the entertainment trades remains limited,” said Shawn H. Wilson, President and CEO of BGCGD and co-founder of Usher’s New Look. “Together, we’re changing that by placing young professionals on one of the most historic tours and turning access into real pathways to lasting careers.”

Usher echoed that message, emphasizing the importance of opportunity.

“At Usher’s New Look, we’ve always believed talent is everywhere, but access is not,” he said. “This program is opening doors and putting young professionals in a position to learn, grow, and work inside the entertainment trades. It’s about giving them a real opportunity.”

As the tour travels, interns will also lead community activations in each city, partnering with local Boys & Girls Clubs to deliver workshops, training sessions, and peer-led learning experiences. Organizers say this component is designed to extend the program’s impact beyond the selected cohort.

Applications for the Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition are now open through Usher’s New Look, with limited spots available.