Travis Scott's Project HEAL Donates $5M to Community Amid Astroworld Tragedy Probe
Travis Scott shifted his career for a moment to help community-based initiatives through his new venture, Project HEAL.
Complex quoted a news outlet's report and revealed that Scott cashed out $5 million as part of his plan to advocate for students, music fans, and concertgoers. The $1 million of which will go straight to HBCU scholarships through his Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund. So far, the group has already provided financial support for Black students.
With the new funds, he aims to support 100 more students who are in their senior year with a 3.5 GPA or higher.
The $4 million of Project HEAL will be then divided into different ventures, including a free mental health program for young people. The first plan will be led by Dr. Janice Beal, a Houston-based behavioral health expert.
The endeavor will also expand his creative design program, including the broadening of the CACT.US Youth Design Center. The program is a "nonprofit makerspace for young artists, designers, tech innovators, including free studio space, workspace, tool spaces, job and apprenticeship training, youth education and events."
Part of the $5 million donation will also go to the US Conference of Mayors Task Force on Event Safety to ensure that fans will no longer be harmed during concerts.
"My grandfather was an educator who made a difference in thousands of young lives throughout his life," Scott said in a statement. "He is a major influence on me and countless others, whose dreams he believed in, whose hopes he invested in, and whose futures he made big."
Travis Scott on Launching Project HEAL After Astroworld Festival
Scott opted to have a philanthropic move amid the investigation into the Astroworld Festival tragedy.
Four months ago, Scott saw the deaths of his 10 fans while hundreds of others were left injured. Although his project will leave a positive impact, Complex Music staff shared that this cannot help him have concerts again while the probe is ongoing.
"Astroworld happened in early November 2021, so I think it would be most respectful to start thinking about returning to the stage a year after the tragedy. If he were to announce a one-off show or appear alongside another artist at a concert in January 2023, I think it would be received much better than if he rushed his return," one of the staff said.
So far, Scott has not announced any appearance yet.
