Travis Scott celebrated the third annual “Travis Scott Day” in the City of Houston, Texas, on Wednesday (Nov. 18) by launching his new Cactus Jack Foundation.
The organization aims to provide educational and creative resources for the next generation of youth. Its first call to action is The HBCU Waymon Webster Scholarship program, named after Scott’s grandfather, which will cover tuition fees for HBCU students this year. The “Sicko Mode” star personally selected students enrolled in Morehouse College, Howard University, Texas Southern University, Grambling State University (his mother’s alma mater) and Prairie View A&M University (his father’s).
“Waymon Webster was a Dean of the Prairie View A&M graduate school,” Scott said in a press statement. “My grandfather wanted me to take it all the way through college, I feel there is a power in education so to be able to give someone the opportunity to fulfill that dream as my papa thought for me is amazing.”
Plus, a multi-year partnership with the rapper’s hometown will launch in the unveiling of Cactus Jack Gardens, a community based agriculture program across city wide elementary schools where students will learn agricultural economics and nutritional skills.
Back in 2018, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner declared the first ever “Travis Scott Day” after the debut of the star’s successful Astroworld Festival at NRG Park. “Investing in our youth is one of the most important things we can do for our city,” the mayor added in a press statement of Scott’s new foundation. “Education and mentorship equip young people with the skills they need for a successful career path. I am grateful that Travis is partnering with the City of Houston to support our nationally-recognized My Brother’s Keeper program, which provides support for boys and young men of color. I also applaud him and his Cactus Jack Foundation for investing in the lives of young men and women by providing scholarships to cover their tuition at HBCUs. If we can turn around one person in one family, that positively impacts every neighborhood, which builds on the resilience and strength of our entire city.”
He also announced a partnership with The New School’s Parsons School of Design, which will bring a fashion design curriculum, created with the Cactus Jack Foundation, to Houston high schoolers. “Parsons is proud to partner with Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation to bring fashion education to high school students who have traditionally been underrepresented in creative disciplines,” said Rachel Schreiber, executive dean of The New School’s Parsons School of Design. “Parsons and Travis Scott share a deep commitment to educating young designers who are just beginning their exploration of fashion and design. We are excited to collaborate with the Cactus Jack Foundation to offer this immersive course led by Parsons award-winning faculty.”
