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Well here’s the type of news we love to shout about. On Monday, 75 students from Kashmere, Wheatley, and Worthing high schools were inducted into a program that will teach them the business skills that define successful entrepreneurship.

What makes this even more special?

Well, it is being spearheaded by non-other than rapper, actor and serial entrepreneur Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and his partner Al Kashani of Horizon Group United.

The duo have partnered with The Houston Independent School District and Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Office to bring their groundbreaking initiative, the G-Unity Business Lab, to HISD.

Left to Right: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Al Kashani, president of Horizon Group United. Photo courtesy: Mary Benton, Mayor Turner’s Office

“This is an exciting partnership for the students of HISD. Curtis Jackson moved to Houston and immediately invested in our children, becoming a stakeholder in their future,” said HISD Superintendent Millard House II. “By focusing on underserved youth and providing paid internships, the G-Unity Business Lab will help students from low-income households envision a different reality for themselves and their future. We recognize that HISD alone can’t create the next great entrepreneur. That’s why I am grateful to Curtis Jackson and Horizon United for recognizing the value and potential of our students and bringing this landmark program to our schools.”

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Students will engage in MBA-level lessons that represent the full lifecycle of a product or concept, from its idea creation – to market branding – and to even running a company.

“As a Houstonian, I’m so proud to be a partner with the program that changes the landscape of Houston,” said Kashani, president of Horizon Group United.

Through the 12-week course, high-achieving business leaders will mentor the students through the process.

The program will end with a “Shark Tank” style competition called “Hustle Tank” and the winners will receive seed money to begin their businesses which will be incubated in Houston.

“It’s great to be giving back to this community that’s already given me so much,” said Jackson. “It was an honor to meet these 75 students who will take the knowledge they gain and be able to lead businesses and communities. They can do great things if they just have the right skills and tools. This program is going to help get them there.”

There isn’t much to say but ..this is ..absolutely.. FANTASTIC!

[Side note:] On the day of the press conference, it just so happened to be Mayor Turner’s birthday. 50 and the others surprised him with a cake and a “Go Shawty, it’s your birthday” shout out!