Travis Scott announced Project HEAL, a $5 million community-based initiative through his Cactus Jack Foundation, four months after the Astroworld crowd crush tragedy in Houston. As described, Project HEAL is a “multi-tier initiative dedicated to addressing challenges facing today’s youth, especially marginalized and at-rιsk communities.” The project will fund academic scholarships, mentаl health resources, a creative design center, and “tech-driven solutions for event safety”.
Scott announced the effort on Instagram today (March 9): “Over the past few months I’ve been taking the time and space to grieve, reflect and do my part to heal my community.” Most importantly, I want to use my platform and resources for actionable change. My family and I will travel this path forever.” “While corporations and institutions can stay in the shadows, I feel as a community leader I must step up in times of need. My team and I launched Project HEAL to support actual solutions that make all events the safest possible. I will never forget the Astroworld victims. I’ve always given back and created chances for youngsters and will continue to do so as long as I can.”
Today, four funding categories were revealed, including a grant to the US Conference of Mayors Task Force on Event Safety to address large-scale live event safety. Scott and the USCM were reportedly developing new safety measures in December. Scott wants a tech-driven approach. A “comprehensive report of recommendations” on crowd safety at large events will be produced by a tech industry, government, emerge𝚗cy response, event management, health, and public safety working group.
Ten people died and hundreds were injured in a crowd rush during Scott’s main concert at Astroworld last November.
The following month, all ten victims died from unintentional compressive asphyxiation. Other Project HEAL activities include $1 million for HBCU scholarships. In their second semester senior year, his Waymon Webster Scholarship Fund will award $10,000 scholarships to seniors with a 3.5 GPA who face financial hardship.
Digital counselling, telephone hotlines, and free programmes with licensed professional therapists and social workers will be funded by the project. Houston-based behavioral health expert Dr. Jane Beal claimed the program would “help empower young people to overcome mentаl health issues” in a statement. Scott will also sponsor a $7 million CACT.US Youth Design Center expansion at TXRX Labs in Houston. According to a news release, the space is a “nonprofit makerspace for young artists, designers, tech innovators, including free studio space, work space, tool spaces, job and apprenticeship training, youth education and events”.