Travis Scott made a rare public appearance in Modern York City this week, shifting the spotlight from his music career to his deepening commitment to education, and design. The rapper and entrepreneur attended the Fashion Scholarship Fund’s annual gala, marking the first time he has celebrated directly with students despite supporting the organization for three years. His presence underscored a growing focus on mentorship within the creative industries, highlighting the intersection of music, fashion, and academic development.
During the event, Scott addressed the attendees with a message centered on resilience and creative intuition. “Keep pushing the limits. Always place yourself out there. Even if you don’t trust your ideas, just go with your gut and you’ll figure it out,” Scott said. He emphasized the importance of belief in the creative process, telling the room, “Thank you guys for locking in with what we’re doing, believing in what we’re doing. I can’t wait to see what you guys do in the future, what you guys create…Everyone, keep going to the next level and let’s take creativity to the world and back.”
The appearance was part of a broader initiative between Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation and the Fashion Scholarship Fund. While Scott first teamed with the organization in 2024, the partnership expanded last year with the launch of the Cactus Jack Design Ethos 101 Program. This initiative awards three students with $10,000 each, alongside mentorship opportunities and access to an online curriculum created by the Cactus Jack team and its partners. Two of the selected students participate in an immersive experience at the Cact.us Design Center in Houston.
The 2026 cohort of Cactus Jack scholars includes Cameron Elyse Blount from North Carolina A&T State University, Caira Coleman of Spelman College, and Jasmine Cox from the Savannah College of Art and Design. The program aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application, providing financial support and industry access to emerging talent.
Following the gala, Scott and the scholars visited the Nike headquarters in New York. Scott has maintained a partnership with the sports giant since 2017, producing several sneaker designs for both Nike and its Jordan brand that have become perennial bestsellers. During the visit, students presented case studies that secured their scholarships. Coleman proposed a collaboration between Def Jam and Kith where purchasers could unlock exclusive music, while Cox presented a concept involving Thom Browne and Sharpie. Blount focused on a partnership between Telfar and historically Black colleges and universities.
Scott characterized the students’ work as “dope,” noting the evolution of marketing strategies among younger generations. “Kids have twisted marketing and are taking things into their own hands — not really needing the ultra-big campaign companies to try to run the program anymore,” he said. “I suppose that’s future-leaning, putting it in the hands of people who see the world a little bit differently.”
Education remains a core theme for Scott, despite his own non-linear academic path. He attended the University of Texas but left during his sophomore year to focus on music. “It didn’t work out for me because I needed to be surrounded by more creatives,” he admitted. However, he stresses the value of formal learning for others. “I think education is a true foundation to find inspiration, which spells creativity,” Scott said. “Going through the learning curve of things really helps craft what you’re trying to do best. Having that knowledge is so important — it keeps people inspired and motivated.”
Beyond music, Scott has diversified his portfolio significantly. He serves as the “chief visionary” for Oakley, has worked with NASA, and partnered with Dior on a special collection in 2020. When asked about his own design ambitions, he drew a parallel between his disciplines. “Music and design are the same thing. And in the same sense, it’s like designing. My love and passion came from designing graphic Ts, making my own merch, doing drawings to reflect where I’m at musically or in my career that ended up becoming other things that I like, whether it’s food, watches, shoes, cars, buildings, furniture.”
The Cactus Jack brand itself holds personal significance. Born Jacques Bermon Webster, Scott explained the moniker comes from a family nickname. “My mom calls me Baby Jack because my dad’s name is Big Jack. And I’m from Texas, growing up in a rural city where there aren’t cactuses, but it’s more about the rough road and the beauty of the landscape, colors, flowers that make up the ethos of what inspired me as an artist, as a creative.”
Looking ahead, Scott confirmed he is working on his own line of Cactus Jack sneakers, separate from his Nike collaborations. “We put out one silhouette and I’m working on a slew of things in the future. I’ve been working in the shoe space for a while and I can’t wait to deliver it,” he said. He declined to specify a release date for his next Nike collaboration.
For the scholars, the program has been transformative. Cox described the experience as life-changing, noting, “We’re ready for the world. My foot is on the gas. We’re about to graduate, and it’s just been an amazing, inspiring year.” Coleman added that the support provides confidence to break into corporate America. Peter Arnold, executive director of the FSF, noted Scott’s participation is “really meaningful,” citing his keen interest in the industry.
The Fashion Scholarship Fund continues to expand its reach, awarding more than $1.9 million in scholarships to 160 Class of 2026 scholars and Virgil Abloh Post-Modern Scholars. As Scott prepares to deliver new designs and the students approach graduation, the partnership signals a continued investment in the next generation of creative leaders. The industry will be watching closely to see how these funded ideas evolve into tangible collections and campaigns in the coming year.
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