Usher’s New Look, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit and BET Next Gen, BET’s leadership development initiative has announced a collaboration designed to expand access to careers in media, music and entertainment by providing emerging leaders with hands-on industry experience, executive mentorship and real-world learning opportunities.
“Providing young professionals with access to programs like BET Next Gen is about creating opportunities that inspire them to see what’s possible. Through this collaboration, we’re giving the next generation the chance to learn from industry leaders while investing in the talent that will shape our industry,” said Usher.
Building on the success of the inaugural collaboration, the organizations will expand the initiative into a year-round leadership and workforce development experience anchored within the Spark Lab Studios in Atlanta and Detroit. It will extend beyond career exposure and exploration to hands-on learning, industry certifications and real-world skill development.
“Creating a true entertainment industry talent pipeline takes intentionality and the right partners who believe in providing young professionals with the skills and access they need to be successful,” said Shawn H. Wilson, President and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit and Co-founder of Usher’s New Look. “We’re excited to partner with BET and continue knocking down barriers for the next generation.”
The opportunity officially launched during the 2026 BET Awards, where four interns from Usher’s New Look’s Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition internship program, two of which are currently participating on The R&B Tour featuring Usher and Chris Brown, joined the BET Next Gen cohort. Throughout BET Awards Week, the interns worked alongside BET professionals across Communications and PR, Social Media and Digital Operations, Marketing, Production, and Brand Creative, contributing to the planning and execution of one of entertainment’s biggest live television events while gaining firsthand experience in cross-functional collaboration, live event production and media operations.
“At BET, our responsibility extends beyond telling stories. We have a responsibility to help develop the people who will tell the next generation of stories. Through BET Next Gen, we’re committed to providing emerging leaders with meaningful experiences that accelerate their professional growth and prepare them for lasting careers in media and entertainment,” says Louis Carr, President of BET. “Our partnership with Usher’s New Look and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit reflects a shared commitment to expand access, cultivate leadership and build a more inclusive pipeline of future industry leaders.”
Since its founding in1999, Usher’s New Look transforms the lives of youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion-driven global leaders. The unique mentorship and leadership programming provided is designed to help teens see past their circumstances and unlock their potential.
