accessAtlanta

Usher's voice brought him fame and riches, but his heart has put him on the top of the charts for 111 teenagers finishing two weeks at a summer camp at Georgia Tech.

The popular singer's Camp New Look flies in promising young people from some of the tougher neighborhoods in U.S. cities for training in the entertainment business. The teenagers sit through seminars taught by top executives from organizations such as Liz Claiborne and the National Hockey League.

Joey Ivansco/jivansco@ajc.com (ENLARGE)
Usher's Camp New Look invites teenagers to spend two weeks in Atlanta learning about the entertainment business.
MOST POPULAR STORIES Police: Jeffrey Donovan arrested, suspected of DUI Report: Abdul's return to 'American Idol' doubtful Beastie Boy Adam Yauch has 'very treatable' cancer Fallon's '7th Floor West' is a silly, soapy treat Chris Brown apologizes for Rihanna beating
EMAIL THIS PRINT THIS MOST POPULAR

They practice hands-on training in studio recording, marketing research and interviewing. They compete with each other to churn out top products, dance routines and business ideas, while pulling together presentations they have to make in front of their peers.

"They learn what I've learned. And that will give them the opportunity to have a future as a businessman or a businesswoman," said Usher, whose full name is Usher Raymond IV.

The native Atlantan has branched into acting, partial ownership of a National Basketball Association team, and business, with a chain of restaurants; and producing his own music and selling such products as a fragrance line for men and women.

"It's no different than planting a seed," he said of his work with the kids.

Shawn H. Wilson, president of Usher's charitable foundation, said the camp costs about $5,000 per student. When he was talking with Usher about starting the camp, Wilson asked him what he wanted to be remembered as.

"As a businessman," Usher told Wilson.

That set the direction for the four-year-old camp, Wilson said.

Usher is hands-on, showing up at the camp several times to help out and hang out.

"It's cool to meet someone who is so influential," said camper Danielle Bates, 17, from outside Boston.

"He really is an inspirational person not just because he is a celebrity, but because of what he does. He is really giving back to the youth."