Pharrell Williams Promises Internships to 114 Graduating Harlem Seniors

Music producer Pharrell Williams has promised 114 graduating Harlem high school seniors a summer internship.

The 114 graduating seniors at Harlem Children’s Zone Promise Academy High School have been gifted the opportunity to work with the mega record producer. Every student was reportedly accepted into college, but during Williams’ commencement speech, he took it one step further and announced he would offer an open door into the music industry.

“So let me be clear, every member of the 2019 graduating class, is guaranteed an internship waiting for them, you, next summer,” Pharrell said in a video posted by the school. “The world is watching, Harlem, but this renaissance will be different. Believe it or not, with respect, it’s gonna actually be better. The reason why is because the new Harlem Renaissance has education at its core.” He continued, “It’s one thing to be ‘woke,’ another to be awake, leaned in and engaged.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the academy is a charter school that provides high-quality education for children from kindergarten through 12th grade. The school is home to 2,000 kids who gained admission through lottery or waiting lists, THR reports. This internship is a project Williams has been working on for some time with the school, with the goal in mind to provide resources in various fields.

Williams is known for his actions in philanthropy and community service. Earlier this year, Williams partnered with Verizon Foundation to increase technology access, specifically based in a music curriculum, in underserved schools, according to THR.