Ten Celebrities Who Have Supported Michigan Charter Schools

Madonna, Big Sean, Ellen DeGeneres, Pharrell Williams, Jamie Foxx, and President George W. Bush are among some of the celebrities who have supported individual Michigan charter schools, whether by visiting campuses, speaking at graduations, meeting with students, donating, or showing love on TV.

Students love charter schools, parents love them, educators love them, and it turns out celebrities love them, too! Charter schools are free, public schools open to all students, and these ten stars have shown up for them.

Celebrity Support for Michigan Charter Schools at a Glance

Madonna: Visited Detroit Achievement Academy

The Material Girl, born in Bay City, grew up in Rochester, attended the University of Michigan, and visited Detroit Achievement Academy in 2014. She met with students and, like a teacher, got down on their level as they told her stories about their school and asked her questions.

Kid Rock: Played in the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy Golf Outing

The Michigan-born-and-bred musical legend showed some love for his friend Jalen Rose by participating in the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy (JRLA) golf outing in Detroit in 2014. He met with students and voiced his support for what JRLA was doing in the community.

Ernie Hudson: A Longtime Friend of Mildred C. Wells Academy

If you want your students to get an inspirational message from a star, who you gonna call? One of the stars of "Ghostbusters," of course! Hudson grew up in Benton Harbor and was very good friends with the late Mildred C. Wells, the namesake and founder of Mildred C. Wells Academy. Hudson has visited the school many times, most recently in 2024.

Big Sean: Commencement Speaker at JRLA’s First Graduation

The world-famous rapper from Detroit made a huge impact on students in his hometown when he served as commencement speaker for Jalen Rose Leadership Academy's very first graduation ceremony in 2015. Big Sean's appearance was a surprise for the students, and they erupted in cheers and applause when he took the stage.

Ellen DeGeneres: Donated $50,000 to Detroit Achievement Academy

The talk-show host, comedian, and actress has had a long relationship with Detroit Achievement Academy, featuring the school and founder Kyle Smitley on her show many times. She was so impressed that she donated $50,000 to the school, which named its library in her honor.

Jerry Ferrara: "Entourage" Star and Regular at the JRLA Golf Outing

Fans of the HBO series "Entourage" know him as Turtle, one of the main characters. In recent years, he's been a regular at the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy golf outing in Detroit, where he meets with students and poses for photos with fans, all while showing his support for JRLA's efforts in the community.

President George W. Bush: Visited West Michigan Aviation Academy

Likely the only U.S. president who has visited a Michigan charter school, President Bush came to West Michigan Aviation Academy in Grand Rapids in 2013, just three years after it opened. He toured the school, visited with students, and then spoke at the school's fundraising gala that night.

Isiah Thomas: Commencement Speaker and $100,000 Donor to JRLA

The man who is arguably the greatest Detroit Piston of all time has been a very involved supporter of Jalen Rose Leadership Academy. Like Big Sean, he was a JRLA commencement speaker in 2015, and he has played in the school's celebrity golf outing many times. He's also visited with students many times and recently donated $100,000 to the school.

Pharrell Williams: Surprised the Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences Show Choir

The superstar singer and songwriter was inspired by students at Detroit Academy of Arts and Sciences (DAAS) in 2014, when they produced a dance video of his song "Happy" that went viral. Pharrell was so impressed that when the DAAS show choir performed the song on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," he showed up to hear them. He then presented DAAS with a $50,000 check, courtesy of Shutterfly, which helped arrange it all.

Jamie Foxx: Inspired JRLA's Class of 2020 During COVID

When COVID hit in 2020 and schools throughout Michigan shut down, Jalen Rose was looking for someone who could inspire that year's graduates by taking part in their commencement ceremony via Zoom. He found exactly the right person in Jamie Foxx, a Hollywood heavyweight who delivered a powerful message of perseverance to the graduating scholars.

FAQ

Why do schools invite celebrities to visit or speak?

Schools typically use these visits to inspire students, expose them to people who have built careers in music, sports, entertainment, and public life, and raise awareness and funds for the school. Events like golf outings and galas are common ways for schools to bring supporters together.

What is the difference between a charter school and a private school?

Michigan charter schools are public schools. They are tuition-free, publicly funded, and open to all students through open enrollment. Private schools charge tuition and may set their own admission requirements.

How many charter schools are there in Detroit?

There are 76 charter public schools in Detroit that serve approximately 32,000 students.

Can community members visit or volunteer at a Michigan charter school?

Policies vary by school, but many welcome guest speakers, mentors, and volunteers. The best first step is to contact the school's main office, which can explain its visitor and volunteer process.

How can businesses and individuals support a charter school?

Common ways include sponsoring or attending fundraising events, making financial donations, offering mentorship or career-day talks, and donating supplies or services. Contact the school directly to learn what it needs most.