French Montana Launches New Technology Program For Immigrants

On Wednesday in New York City, French Montana announced a new role: he’ll be assisting immigrants via a new technology program.

The “Unforgettable” rapper, who was born in Morocco but recently became a U.S. citizen, was also named the first “I Stand With Immigrants” Ambassador.

“I’m blessed to give back to my community that has given so much to me,” Montana says in a statement. “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 three-time Grammy nominee’s new initiative is named after his birth name.  Titled the Karim Kharbouch Coding Fellowship Program, it’s a partnership with the non-profit organization The Knowledge House.

The Knowledge House provides education programs for youth in the same neighborhood where Montana grew up in the Bronx, New York.  The program involves local high schools teaching computer coding skills to more than 800 Bronx youth.

“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,” said Jerelyn Rodriguez, CEO of The Knowledge House.

As part of French’s new role, a new t-shirt is being sold for $25, with proceeds going to DACA renewals through CHIRLA’s DACA Trust Fund.  The shirt says “I Stand with Immigrants,” and on the back, it tells the rapper’s story of how his family came to the U.S. in 1997, and he found “wealth, fame and passion beyond his wildest dreams.

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