To Kanye, superstar status carries with it responsibility. It mandates giving back to the world community in proportion to what he has received. Kanye’s vision, and thus the vision of the Dr. Donda West Foundation is its inaugural program “Loop Dreams”, a music production program designed to motivate students to stay in school and graduate. Students study hip-hop culture along with its historical roots, positive impacts and negative influences, write music and positive song lyrics, learn to operate music studio equipment, and produce demonstration recordings through an interactive, fully engaging curriculum. In addition to maintaining good academic performance, parental involvement, and demonstration of the five habits of mind (commitment self-discipline, integrity, respect, and responsibility) are conditions for participation in the program. Young people are exposed to the various aspects of career options in the entertainment industry such as entertainment law, business management, artist management, sound engineering, and lighting design. Additionally, the young people receive academic support and enrichment so that they stay on track for graduation and future academic success. The Loop Dreams program opens students’ minds to creativity, taps into their unlimited potential, and motivates them to remain focused on the importance of education. These educational experiences are rigorous, stimulating, entertaining, fully engaging, and taught in a safe and nurturing environment. It is Kanye’s vision and the vision of the foundation that through “Loop Dreams”, kids who might otherwise dropout of school and face dismal futures, will instead remain in school, graduate, and pursue options allowing them to contribute positively to the world, and to lead enriched, productive, and fulfilled lives.
To Kanye, superstar status carries with it responsibility. It mandates giving back to the world community in proportion to what he has received. Kanye’s vision, and thus the vision of the Dr. Donda West Foundation is its inaugural program “Loop Dreams”, a music production program designed to motivate students to stay in school and graduate. Students study hip-hop culture along with its historical roots, positive impacts and negative influences, write music and positive song lyrics, learn to operate music studio equipment, and produce demonstration recordings through an interactive, fully engaging curriculum. In addition to maintaining good academic performance, parental involvement, and demonstration of the five habits of mind (commitment self-discipline, integrity, respect, and responsibility) are conditions for participation in the program. Young people are exposed to the various aspects of career options in the entertainment industry such as entertainment law, business management, artist management, sound engineering, and lighting design. Additionally, the young people receive academic support and enrichment so that they stay on track for graduation and future academic success. The Loop Dreams program opens students’ minds to creativity, taps into their unlimited potential, and motivates them to remain focused on the importance of education. These educational experiences are rigorous, stimulating, entertaining, fully engaging, and taught in a safe and nurturing environment. It is Kanye’s vision and the vision of the foundation that through “Loop Dreams”, kids who might otherwise dropout of school and face dismal futures, will instead remain in school, graduate, and pursue options allowing them to contribute positively to the world, and to lead enriched, productive, and fulfilled lives.