Celebrity ISH: Kanye West "Got Bars" Program for Chicago Youth [Apply Now]

Don't be fooled by the frequent flip-outs on paparazzi, Kanye West doesn't always play the bad guy. In fact, West has an affinity for charity and will lend a bigger hand to the youth of Chicago's Southside with "Got Bars," a free program aimed at teaching youngsters how to write and record music.


The charitable effort is a collaboration between West's Donda's House non-profit and the Ark of St. Sabina Youth Center. "My mom spent her life as an educator and I am happy that Donda’s House can pick up her torch and honor her life’s mission," West said in a statement on the charity's site.

Over the course of 10 weeks, students ages 15-24 will work on an EP project accompanied by lessons to "improve physical health" by way of yoga. There's also a section for "life skills" via teachings on nutrition, etiquette, goal setting and media-literacy classes.

Che "Rhymefest" Smith, fellow Windy City rapper and co-founder of Donda's House, is set to helm the writing music side and production side. His wife Donnie Smith, an English teacher, will continue overseeing things as executive director. "I am so happy to launch 'Got Bars' to honor Kanye West's mother's memory," Rhymefest said. "'Got Bars' will change our youth musically, get them healthy and keep them busy in a creative, peaceful environment."

St. Sabina pastor Father Michael Pfleger said the organization was "honored" to be teaming with Donda's House. "It complements our existing youth programs and will encourage more people to come to a creative safe haven here at Saint Sabina.”

Interested applicants must apply for "Got Beats" at www.dondashouse.com by the Aug. 5 deadline.

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