Project started by Dr. Dre to give $2M for West Charlotte High upgrades. Here’s why

West Charlotte High School has been selected to be part of the Iovine and Young Center, a technology, design and entrepreneurship magnet program based in Los Angeles and co-founded by Andre Young – also known as Dr. Dre.

The program, which launches during the 2026-27 school year, is modeled after the University of Southern California’s Iovine and Young Academy in Los Angeles.

West Charlotte is projected to receive $2 million over five years, though that figure could change, to renovate an existing classroom with additional equipment and furniture.

The Iovine and Young Center will also provide West Charlotte students with instruction and coaching in design, technology, business and communications.

“We look forward to cultivating the innate superpowers of these students,” Jimmy Iovine, co-founder of the Iovine and Young Center, said in a news release. “Working with West Charlotte High School, we will develop the next generation of multi-talented global professionals who will innovate in ways we have never seen before.”

Iovine is a former music producer and record label executive who joined forces with fellow executive and rapper Andre “Dr. Dre” Young to found Beats Electronics in 2006. Apple acquired the company for $3 billion in 2014.

The program’s vision is to meld “a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum with real-world, team-based learning opportunities,” according to its website.

West Charlotte High School was founded in 1938 and has around 2,000 students. Its current facility was opened in 2022 after a $103 million rebuild.

“We are so excited to partner with the Iovine and Young Education Group to give our scholars access to hands-on learning, industry-aligned experiences and the confidence to see themselves as creators, innovators and future leaders,” West Charlotte Principal Paula Cook said.

This story was originally published March 5, 2026 at 5:00 AM.