Celebs Who Used Their Fortune to Build Schools in Their Home Countries

Numerous well-known celebrities understand how education can improve lives and communities. They’re using their wealth to support education in their home countries, building schools and providing resources to those who need them most. These stars are creating a positive impact that will last long after their time in the spotlight, focusing on safe, well-equipped learning spaces for future generations.

Aamir Khan

Aamir Khan is a strong supporter of improving education in India. He’s provided funding for schools and programs that aim to enhance teaching quality and make education more available in rural areas. Khan frequently uses his public profile to emphasize how important early learning and reading skills are. Through these efforts, he’s helped draw attention to the problems within India’s education system.

Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar funded the construction of a school in Latur, India, to help local children get an education. He also supports programs that provide educational resources and better facilities for the families of soldiers. Known for his commitment to improving the lives of children in rural communities, Kumar is now a prominent philanthropist in India.

Akon

Akon has invested heavily in Senegal, building schools and providing educational resources. He started programs to give children in rural areas access to safe, up-to-date learning spaces. He’s especially focused on using technology and renewable energy in these schools to help them thrive long-term. Thanks to his efforts, thousands of students are now gaining the skills they need to succeed in today’s world.

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan has helped build several schools in Uttar Pradesh to give young girls access to education. He strongly believes that educating women is essential for India’s growth and development. He’s also given generously to upgrade existing schools with better facilities. This charitable work has made him a highly respected and admired figure across India.

Andre Agassi

Andre Agassi founded the Agassi Prep Academy in Las Vegas to give children in Nevada a high-quality education. The school serves students from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering classes from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Agassi used a significant amount of his own money to create a state-of-the-art campus, and the academy has a strong record of graduating students who go on to attend leading universities.

Chance the Rapper

Chance the Rapper has given millions of dollars to Chicago public schools. Through his organization, SocialWorks, he funds arts and other enriching activities for students in neighborhoods that need the most support. He feels strongly that all children deserve the chance to explore their creative talents, and his dedication has encouraged other companies to donate as well.

David Robinson

David Robinson started The Carver Academy in San Antonio to offer a rigorous education to children in the community. He personally contributed over five million dollars to launch and support the school. Beyond academics, Carver Academy focuses on building character and instilling a strong work ethic. Robinson continues to be involved, encouraging students to reach their highest goals.

Didier Drogba

Didier Drogba’s foundation has built schools in Ivory Coast to help more children get an education, especially in areas recovering from conflict and lacking resources. He believes education is key to a peaceful and successful future for his country. These schools not only offer a safe learning environment but also provide students with important health services.

Dikembe Mutombo

Dikembe Mutombo established the Samuel Mutombo Institute of Science and Technology in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo. The school trains students for careers in healthcare and technology, and Mutombo personally funded its creation with millions of dollars as a tribute to his father and to boost education in the Congo. The institute aims to empower young Congolese people to help build a brighter future for their country.

Dr. Dre

Dr. Dre gave a large donation to found the USC Iovine and Young Academy in Los Angeles. This school offers undergraduate students a unique program that combines art, technology, and business. Dre wanted to create a dynamic learning experience that reflects the fast-moving world of entertainment. Students at the academy get the chance to work on practical projects with professionals in the industry.

Eliud Kipchoge

Eliud Kipchoge has established a library and learning center in his rural home of Nandi County, Kenya. It offers books and online resources to help people in the community learn and improve their reading skills. Kipchoge feels strongly that reading is key to individual development and a thriving society, and he actively supports educational programs throughout Kenya to encourage young people to value learning.

Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen actively supports Brazil through various educational and environmental initiatives. She created the Luz Foundation, which helps young girls gain confidence and access education. She’s also helped build schools focused on sustainable practices. Ultimately, her efforts are about giving children the resources they need to improve their communities and build a brighter future.

J. Cole

J. Cole created the Dreamville Foundation to help young people in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where he grew up. The foundation offers things like mentoring and tutoring to help them succeed. Cole has also invested in building community centers and supporting local schools to give students better opportunities. Ultimately, he wants to motivate young people to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.

Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan started the Dragon’s Heart Foundation to help build schools in poor, rural areas of China. Through the foundation, he’s funded the construction of many primary schools, giving children in these villages the chance to get an education. Chan regularly visits the schools to deliver supplies and inspire the students to follow their ambitions. His charitable work has positively changed the lives of thousands of children throughout China.

Jalen Rose

Jalen Rose started the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy in Detroit to offer a free high school education to students in the area. The school’s challenging classes are designed to help students succeed in college and their careers. Rose not only provided the original funding but continues to raise money to support the academy, with a strong commitment to helping Detroit students graduate and achieve their goals.

Jet Li

Jet Li created the One Foundation to help people after disasters and support education in China. He’s built schools in areas hit by natural disasters and provides counseling and resources to help children get back to learning. This work has given thousands of young people in China a sense of hope and stability.

John Legend

John Legend started the Show Me Campaign to ensure every child in the U.S. has access to a good education. Through his foundation, he’s funded programs to help teachers and improve classrooms. Legend believes that quality education is essential for fairness and economic advancement, and he continues to push for policies that help all students succeed.

Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant established the Durant Center in his hometown of Maryland to help local students succeed in school and prepare for college. Working with other organizations, he’s focused on making higher education accessible for students from low-income families. Durant has contributed millions of dollars in scholarships and resources to support these students, significantly impacting their futures and the community.

LeBron James

As a huge LeBron James fan, I’ve always admired him on the court, but what he’s done off the court with the I Promise School truly inspires me. He started it right in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, to help kids who were facing real challenges. It’s incredible because the school is completely free, and he guarantees a college scholarship for every student who graduates! But he didn’t stop there – he also provides support for their families, understanding that kids do better when they have a strong home life. Honestly, I think the I Promise School is a brilliant example of how athletes can really make a difference and give back to their communities in a meaningful way.

Ludacris

Ludacris created the Ludacris Foundation to encourage young people in Atlanta, Georgia through educational programs and community involvement. He supports local schools by funding projects and providing teachers with helpful resources. Additionally, he offers scholarships and mentoring to help students succeed after high school. His efforts aim to develop leadership skills and a strong sense of responsibility in the next generation.

Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson created Bridgescape Centers to help young people who left high school before graduating get back on track. These centers offer a supportive and flexible learning environment where students can earn their diplomas and learn valuable job skills. Johnson started this program because he wanted to address high dropout rates in cities and give young people a chance at good jobs. Thanks to his efforts, thousands of students have regained their confidence and achieved their educational dreams.

Michael Essien

Michael Essien’s foundation has made a real difference in remote parts of Ghana by building schools and libraries. These facilities give children access to education without having to travel long distances. Beyond education, Essien also funded projects to provide clean water and healthcare, helping students thrive. As a result, reading and learning levels have noticeably improved in these communities.

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is deeply committed to improving education in North Carolina. He invests heavily in programs for young people, including funding scholarships and creating learning centers in communities that need the most support. He’s also contributed to building safe, modern facilities where children can learn and play. His charitable work has made a real difference in the state’s educational opportunities.

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams started Yellowhab, a private school in Norfolk, Virginia, to offer a unique education to local students. The school keeps classes small and creates individual learning plans to help each child succeed. Williams funded the school to make sure families in his community have access to excellent education, no matter their financial situation. Yellowhab is designed to encourage students to be creative and develop strong thinking skills.

Pitbull

Pitbull founded SLAM! Academies, public charter schools in cities like his hometown, Miami. These schools use sports, leadership, and management to make learning more engaging for students. Pitbull’s goal was to create a curriculum that would appeal to young people and prepare them for careers in the sports world. The schools have grown and now serve thousands of students in several states.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka Chopra started a foundation dedicated to improving health and education for children in India. It helps build schools and provides learning materials to communities in need. She’s particularly focused on helping girls stay in school by giving them the resources they need. Ultimately, her work strives to fight poverty by consistently supporting the next generation.

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook created the Why Not Academy in Los Angeles to give middle and high school students a great education. The school emphasizes strong academics and building good character, helping students get ready for whatever comes next. Westbrook personally funded the school’s creation and made sure students have the latest technology. He also regularly visits to mentor them and inspire them to follow their dreams.

Sadio Mané

Sadio Mané, a professional athlete, used his income to fund the construction of a new high school in his home village of Bambali. He invested over $200,000 to create a school that benefits students from nearby communities. The school is equipped with modern computer labs and well-equipped classrooms, aiming to raise the quality of education in the area. Mané also continues to support Bambali through investments in healthcare and other essential infrastructure.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek is deeply committed to helping children in Mexico get a good education. She actively supports programs that build schools and provide learning resources, especially in communities where these are lacking. She believes all young people deserve the chance to succeed, both in school and in life, and her charitable efforts have positively impacted countless Mexican families.

Salman Khan

Salman Khan started the Being Human foundation to help with education in India. It provides financial support for children from families with limited incomes and runs training centers to help young people find jobs. Being Human is now a leading charitable organization within the Indian film industry.

Samuel Eto’o

Samuel Eto’o opened a vocational school in Cameroon to give young people practical skills and job training. The school offers courses in different trades, helping students find work in the local area. Eto’o created this opportunity for those who might not go to college, and continues to support young Cameroonians through charitable work.

Sean Combs

Sean Combs created Capital Preparatory Schools in New York and Connecticut to offer excellent education to students in urban areas. These schools help students get ready for college and become leaders in their communities. Combs has invested a lot of money to make sure the schools have up-to-date buildings and great teachers, all with the aim of giving the next generation the tools they need to succeed.

Shah Rukh Khan

I’m constantly amazed by Shah Rukh Khan’s generosity. He’s done so much to help children in India get the education they deserve, investing heavily in building and running schools, especially in rural areas. It’s wonderful to see him using his foundation to make a real difference, and he doesn’t stop there – he also supports centers dedicated to educating children with disabilities. Honestly, his dedication to giving back has touched the lives of so many families across the country, and it’s truly inspiring.

Shakira

As a huge Shakira fan, I’ve always admired her music, but I’m even more impressed by her commitment to helping kids in Colombia. She started the Pies Descalzos Foundation to give children better educational opportunities, and she’s actually built incredible school campuses in places like Barranquilla and Cartagena. It’s amazing – these schools aren’t just classrooms, they offer things like modern tech and training programs to help students learn valuable skills. She truly believes that education is the key to a better future for Colombian kids, and honestly, it’s inspiring to see her put so much effort into making that happen.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal is dedicated to improving education for kids across the country. He’s funded the creation of learning centers and supplied schools with important resources, particularly in urban areas. He wants to make sure all children have access to modern technology and learning tools. O’Neal also helps students afford college through scholarships and financial assistance, believing every child deserves the opportunity to succeed.

Stephen Curry

Steph Curry started the Eat Learn Play Foundation to help kids in Oakland, California. The organization works to create safe spaces for play, provide healthy meals, and ensure all students receive a good education. Curry has supported improvements to schools and donated books to local libraries. He’s committed to supporting young people in his community and giving them the resources they need to thrive.

Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods created the TGR Learning Lab in Southern California to give students practical experience in science and technology. The lab offers many programs designed to inspire young people to consider careers in technical fields. Woods provided the funding to build the lab, wanting to ensure that kids in his community had access to excellent learning resources. Over thousands of students have benefited from the center, and it continues to grow and reach more people.

Usain Bolt

Usain Bolt has been investing in the future of Jamaica by improving schools. He’s funded renovations and expansions, providing students with better learning environments, updated equipment, and improved sports facilities. Bolt also supports promising students through scholarships, helping them succeed in both school and sports. Beyond students, he also provides resources to help teachers and school staff.

50 Cent

50 Cent created the G Unity Foundation to help children in disadvantaged neighborhoods through education and community programs. The foundation supports initiatives that improve reading and schoolwork in city schools, and provides safe, engaging after-school activities. It continues to partner with local leaders to address the needs of young people in his hometown.

We’d love to hear your opinions on these celebrities and how they’ve supported education. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

2026-02-24 11:48