Usher’s New Look (UNL), one of the nation’s leading advocacy and educational organizations for young people around the world, today announced it received a $500,000 grant from Truist Foundation. The grant will support UNL’s high school leadership program, including its financial literacy programs, and marks a significant milestone for the organization, having received a total of $1.5 million from Truist Foundation in five years.

A nonprofit foundation launched in 1999 by performing artist and philanthropist Usher Raymond IV, UNL has since served more than 50,000 youth by offering support and access through programs addressing education, professional development, mental health, wellness and more.

“Breaking the cycle of poverty and debt is tantamount to the future success of young people, particularly in these challenging times where we see that there are currently 16 million children living in poverty today,” says Careshia Moore, president and CEO of Usher’s New Look.

“This is, therefore, a proud moment for Usher’s New Look, and we are so very grateful to Truist Foundation for this transformational grant that will enable us to further our mission and touch the lives of hundreds of young people, helping them prepare for their futures while uplifting themselves and their communities at the same time.”

“Truist Foundation is committed to helping Usher’s New Look advance its mission by empowering young people with access to financial wellness to help them make choices throughout their lives,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation.

“Ushers New Look shares in our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. Their dedication and proven track record in guiding and developing the talent and skills of young people is unparalleled.”

The goal of UNL’s financial literacy programming is to end the intergenerational cycles of poverty by empowering youth to be financially capable of understanding and applying healthy money habits. Budgeting, credit and debt are all issues reaching crisis proportions, with young people affected the most.

UNL’s high school program includes real-time workshops and how-to sessions, covering topics such as talent exploration, preparing for postsecondary education, workforce development, servant leadership,  entrepreneurship, budgeting, credit and debt, savings, investing,  financial health and skill development.