Famous People Who Started Schools!

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LeBron James

LeBron James: I PROMISE School
NBA superstar LeBron James opened the I PROMISE School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, in 2018. This public school focuses on at-risk children and provides not only academic support but also crucial services like family resources, job placement assistance for parents, and a supportive community to foster success both inside and outside the classroom.

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Madonna

Madonna: Raising Malawi Academy for GirlsMadonna, the "Queen of Pop", has long been involved in philanthropy, and in 2014, she laid the foundation for the Raising Malawi Academy for Girls. The project aimed to provide an enriching and empowering education for girls in Malawi, ultimately helping them break the cycle of poverty through knowledge and skills.

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Sean Combs

Sean "Diddy" Combs: Capital Preparatory Schools
Sean Combs, the music mogul and entrepreneur, partnered with educator Dr. Steve Perry to establish Capital Preparatory Schools. With locations in Harlem and Bridgeport, these schools focus on providing quality education to students, emphasizing character development, social justice, and academic excellence.

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Shakira

Shakira: Barefoot Foundation Schools
Colombian singer and philanthropist Shakira established the Barefoot Foundation, dedicated to promoting access to quality education for vulnerable children. Through the foundation, she has supported the construction of schools in Colombia and other countries, providing underprivileged children with the tools they need to build better futures.

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Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada and Will Smith: New Village Leadership Academy
Hollywood’s scandal duo Jada and Will Smith founded the New Village Leadership Academy in 2008, emphasizing a holistic approach to education. This school, which operated until 2013, focused on creativity, personal development, and innovative teaching methods, challenging conventional education norms. It has since then closed.

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Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey: The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls
Oprah Winfrey, the iconic media mogul, philanthropist, and talk show host, opened The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa in 2007. This all-girls boarding school aims to provide quality education to academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds, fostering leadership skills and empowering them to become change-makers in their communities.

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Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria: Eva Longoria Foundation
Actress and producer Eva Longoria founded the Eva Longoria Foundation, which supports various educational initiatives. While not a school in itself, the foundation has actively worked to close the education gap for Latinas and provide resources to help them succeed in school and beyond.

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Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson: Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy
Basketball legend Magic Johnson has ventured into the education sector with the Magic Johnson Bridgescape Academy. This program offers alternative education options for high school students, focusing on those who face challenges in traditional school settings, and helps them achieve academic success and graduate.

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Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett: Frank Sinatra School of the Arts
Renowned singer and performer Tony Bennett, in a testament to his commitment to arts education, founded the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts (FSSA) in 2001. Located in Astoria, Queens, New York, the school aims to provide high school students with a comprehensive education that focuses on the arts.

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Pitbull

Pitbull: SLAM! (Sports Leadership and Management) Charter SchoolsRapper and entrepreneur Pitbull, also known as Mr. Worldwide, co-founded SLAM! Charter Schools, a network of public charter schools that blend sports-focused education with rigorous academics. With locations in Miami, Las Vegas, and other cities, SLAM! aims to prepare students for success in both sports and academics.

Education is a powerful tool that transcends boundaries and empowers individuals to shape their destinies. Some celebrities, recognizing the transformative potential of education, have taken bold steps to contribute to the academic landscape by launching their own schools.

Taking Education To The Next Step

These institutions not only reflect the philanthropic endeavors of these well-known figures but also stand as beacons of hope and opportunity for generations to come. Let's explore a list of 10 celebrities who have made significant strides in the realm of education by establishing schools.