Kanye West with his mother Donda. Image Source: Harper's Bazaar

It's no secret that Kanye West, an American rapper, adores his mother and has devoted his tenth album to her, dubbed "Donda." According to sources, Kanye West is intending to expand his empire beyond music and fashion into education, as he officially announces the opening of his brand new 'Donda Academy' prep school. 

According to reports, 'Donda Academy' will provide students with "a world-class education that includes a rigorous core curriculum, as well as an emphasis on sustainability, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving," preparing them to be the "next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators."

The school is named after Dr. Donda West, a 44-year-old rapper and former professor and chair of the English department at Chicago State University. Adidas is backing the academy, which will also include youngster Jalen Hooks. "It's just one of those things you can't pass up," Hooks revealed to the source. "It was also more of a family choice. We all just saw it as an opportunity for me to realize my best potential, improve, and prepare for college."

Other sportsmen linked to 'Donda Academy' include Robert Dillingham, Jahki Howard, and Zion Cruz, according to reports. Kanye is working on developing 'Donda Academy, a high school prep team that will compete with the stacked Sierra Canyon Trailblazers. LeBron James' son Bronny James, attends -- at the Staples Center for February 2022.

Jakhi Howard, a promising basketball player, announced his transfer to Donda Academy on Instagram, writing: "I will be relocating to California and transferring to Donda Academy. I want to THANK YOU, NORCROSS and the entire Blue Devil Family, who still will be my family." (The post has since been removed, although the player did share a couple of anecdotes with #Donda on social media.)

According to Yahoo Sports, Kanye West is not abandoning the process of recruiting his new prep team, as he has reached out to two high-profile recruits and asked them to join his squad. "It's unbelievable that he reached out," one of the players said. But he's putting together a fantastic club with guys I want to play with, and it's in a nice market, so it's something my family and I have to consider."

In October 2020, West shared footage from his Yeezy Christian Academy on his Twitter account, which included attendees giving encouraging remarks in a video titled, "Dear Future, I Still Believe in You".

Source: Pitchfork

Kanye West filed a trademark application a few weeks ago to use the name 'Donda' on a variety of digital items, ranging from tablets and speakers to smartwatches and other wearable electronics, such as earphones and wireless headphones. This follows the musician's filing of a trademark application in September for the name to be used on a line of home goods.

Kanye West's home-ware range will comprise shower curtains, textile wall hangings, towels, placemats, and a variety of blankets, according to the paperwork. Silk, cashmere, and fleece will likely be used to make bed blankets, throw blankets, and golf blankets for the company.

Kanye also has a clothing line called 'Yeezy' and a film production firm called 'Half Beast.' Kanye West's Yeezy has become extremely popular all over the world. The designer and his soon-to-be ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, have also trademarked the names of their four children, North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm West, demonstrating their financial acumen.