Dr. Dre Wants To Change Business In Pasadena With New Educational Center

Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine are seeking to introduce their forward-thinking educational model to John Muir High School in Pasadena, aiming to transform it into an early college magnet campus focused on design, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The duo pitched the proposal to Pasadena Unified School District officials, hoping to replicate the success of their Iovine and Young Center programs, which are already operating in Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Their first school launched in 2022 at Audubon Middle School in Los Angeles. A second location opened at Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta in the fall of 2024.

A third site is scheduled to open in Inglewood in the summer of 2025, starting with ninth grade and expanding to 12th grade by 2028.

The Iovine and Young Centers are part of the public school system and are designed to serve inner-city students with limited access to innovative learning environments.

The curriculum blends creative thinking, problem-solving and entrepreneurial skills, culminating in a capstone project during senior year.

“By reimagining the high school learning experience, we create a culture of inquiry, collaboration, and innovation. This approach empowers students to become the next generation of innovators, problem solvers, and change-makers,” said Akilah Calhoun, principal of the IYC.

The schools are not music-focused despite Dr. Dre’s Hip-Hop legacy. Instead, they emphasize interdisciplinary education and real-world applications, providing students with access to cutting-edge tools and mentorship from industry professionals.

The model is designed to be scalable and adaptable for use in other districts, particularly those facing challenges with enrollment and funding. Inglewood officials have already embraced the program as a way to revitalize their school system.

According to Pasadena Now, the Pasadena proposal would follow the exact blueprint, offering students a direct path to college and careers in high-demand fields.

Dr. Dre’s commitment to education doesn’t stop with the Iovine and Young Centers. He recently made headlines for his $10 million donation to Compton High School, helping fund the new Andre “Dr. Dre” Young Performing Arts Center.

The $200 million Compton campus, unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony, spans 31 acres and will serve more than 1,800 students.