Ludacris teamed up with Stubhub to give back to high school students in South Florida. StubHub’s #TicketForward program is a collaborative initiative with The Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation that plans to invest $3 million in music programs in different public schools.
The “Stand Up” rapper made a surprise visit to Hialeah-Miami Lakes High School to donate $75,000 worth of music equipment to the students.
“I understand the importance of music education,” Ludacris said. “It’s very important to me.”
“This is $75,000 worth of equipment, so with that being said, we just know the impact that it’s going to have,” he continued.
Kevin Segura, the school’s band director, hopes that the new equipment can improve their sound in every way possible.
“We have instruments being held together with tape, they don’t move, they’re banged up,” said Segura. “So these instruments are going to improve our sound and going to motivate kids to want to do band so hopefully I can build up this program to what it once was back in the day.”
Ludacris thanked Segura for his hard work and gifted him with tickets to this Sunday’s (Feb. 2) Super Bowl game.
“I’m really, really excited that I’m going to the game,” Segura said. “I didn’t think I was going so this was a nice surprise for me.”
“If it weren’t for individuals reaching back and giving me that confidence, I wouldn’t be here today,” said Ludacris. “If you get knocked down nine times, you get up 10. Just keep going.”
The students were thrilled about the huge donation.
“Honestly, it was crazy. Like, I’m sill speechless about it, especially with the instruments. Just seeing Ludacris. I’m very excited.” said Juan Sola, a student at the school.
Check out the video below of Ludacris surprising the high school students below.