(THE BRONX, NY) – French Montana was announced as the first I Stand With Immigrants(ISWI) Ambassador, a testament to his tireless efforts to support immigrants and lift up their stories. As an immigrant and new U.S. citizen, Montana has continuously sought out opportunities to champion immigrants’ rights, as well as to highlight the countless contributions of immigrants to communities across the U.S.
French:
Montana’s Ambassador role was announced concurrently with the launch of the Karim Kharbouch Coding Fellowship Program at The Knowledge House (TKH) in the Bronx, a new partnership between Montana, The Knowledge House, and FWD.us. FWD.us also released a new video highlighting Montana’s immigrant experience and the work he is committed to as part of his role as the first ever ISWI Ambassador. He is also partnering with FWD.us on design of a special edition ISWI t-shirt, with a portion of the proceeds going to support DACA renewal fees.
Montana was born and raised in Morocco, he immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 13. “I’m blessed to give back to my community that has given so much to me,” stated Montana. “As a kid from the Bronx, it’s important for me to arm them with tools they can use to create a great future for themselves.”
The new program will support immigrant youth residing in the Bronx, where French Montana and The Knowledge House have already developed their reputation as changemakers in music and technology education, respectively.
From the program:
“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome French Montana as the very first I Stand With Immigrantsambassador,” said Jen Martin, Director of the I Stand With Immigrants Initiative. “At a time when it’s more important than ever to highlight positive stories of immigrants and immigration, we’re deeply grateful that French is continuing to share his own experience and use his platform to uplift immigrant voices in The Bronx and across the country.”
“On behalf of The Knowledge House, I am grateful to be partnering with French Montana to bring our technology programs to Bronx youth from immigrant families,” Jerelyn Rodriguez, Co-Founder and CEO, The Knowledge House.
“As the daughter of immigrants, I know first hand how important it is to put resources in the hands of people as they work towards realizing the American Dream. Our technology programs have helped an average of 3 out of 4 of our graduates land their first job in tech. With French Montana’s support we can make sure hundreds of Bronx youth launch life changing careers in technology.”
Plan:
The Knowledge House will partner with local high schools to deliver an 80-hour Exploring Technology curriculum, which has already provided technology and coding skills exposure for more than 800 Bronx youth. This will help students be better prepared to succeed in college, the future of work, and careers in STEM.
Program participants will also have access to The Knowledge House staff, who will coordinate resources for immigrant youth and families, as facilitated by Informed Immigrant and its network of service providers. This holistic partnership will provide meaningful support to and empowerment of the next generation of leaders who will uplift their communities.