Usher’s New Look® (UNL) is a national nonprofit organization advancing access, training, and economic mobility through career pathways in the entertainment industry.
Founded in 1999 by Usher Raymond IV, Jonetta Patton, and Shawn H. Wilson, UNL has evolved into a workforce development platform that prepares young people for careers across creative, technical, and business sectors. Through a structured pipeline model focused on access, training, real-world experience, and innovation, UNL equips youth with the skills, networks, and opportunities needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving global industry.
To date, Usher’s New Look has served more than 50,000 young people worldwide, while continuing to expand pathways that lead to long-term career success and economic mobility.
FROM CULTURE TO CAREERS
We leverage culture, creativity, and storytelling as powerful entry points, but our focus is on outcomes.
Through programs like Spark Club (14–17) and the Entertainment Industry Club (18–24), participants build real-world skills in content creation, production, branding, and entrepreneurship, turning passion into clear, actionable career pathways.
A PATHWAY, NOT A MOMENT
Every experience at Usher’s New Look is part of a larger journey.
Participants move from early exposure to hands-on training inside Spark Lab Studios, into cohort-based learning and real-world application through the Entertainment Industry Club and Tour Internship Program, gaining technical skills, industry experience, and career readiness along the way.
Each cohort culminates in a capstone project, ensuring participants leave with tangible work, not just participation.
BUILT WITH INDUSTRY. BACKED BY IMPACT
Our model is designed alongside industry leaders and real production environments.
Participants gain access to:
- Industry-backed credentials
- Hands-on technical training (production, content, creative tech)
- Employer-connected experiences
- Mentorship and professional networks
Looking to collaborate with UNL?
We partner with funders, employers, educators, and organizations to expand access to career pathways in entertainment.
SEE PATHWAYS
