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Youth Served Annually
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% of MusiCore grads pursue college or trades
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Community members enjoy free annual showcases
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$ paid annually to teens for learning creative skills

Info@RocktotheFuture.org   |   215-302-9633   |   Mailing Address: 1201 North 3rd St. #283 Phila, PA 19122

Rock to the Future fosters thriving youth and communities through free, student-driven music programs for Philadelphia youth in under-resourced areas. We provide consistent, high-quality, trauma-informed music programs for 1,200+ youth annually in schools, community centers, and the juvenile justice system.

Through our programs, talented and eager children, teens, and young people build confidence, positive relationships, and community connection, which supports mental well-being, staying in school and pursuing professional pathways, and peaceful communities. Through the bridge of music, we also provide direct college and trade readiness support, mentoring, and connection to resources. Rock to the Future  also works directly with youth in intervention, diversion, and those currently and formerly incarcerated. Learn more about our mission and model.

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We're Launching Our Lyric Lab!

Got something to say? Lyric Lab is Rock to the Future’s brand-new rap and songwriting program built for young artists who want to turn their thoughts, feelings, and stories into real music. Whether you’re already writing bars or just getting started, this class gives you the tools to:

  • Write powerful lyrics
  • Find your flow
  • Ride the beat
  • Perform with confidence
  • And build real songs with other young creators

Every week, you’ll work with other teens who love music just like you—learning how to express yourself, sharpen your sound, and bring your ideas to life. The program leads up to a live performance, where you get to showcase your music in front of a supportive audience.

Join Rock to the Future at One Art Community Center (1431 N 52nd St) on Mondays from 4 - 6pm. No experience needed – just bring your voice. Totally free, with food and transpasses provided. Visit RocktotheFuture.org or call/text 215-302-9633 to register.

Lyric Lab is a safe, creative space where your story matters—and your music gets heard. Come build. Come create. Come shine.

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Rock to the Future's new Strategic Plan: 2025 - 2030

Dear Friends,

We know that music has the power to change lives. It sparks joy, builds confidence, creates community, and amplifies voices that need to be heard. Over the past 15 years, we’ve watched thousands of young people step up to the mic, discover their talents, and dream boldly about their futures. Now we’re turning up the volume on our next moves as an organization.

This strategic plan is our roadmap for the next five years—a playlist of bold ideas and powerful commitments that will guide us as we deepen our impact, expand access, and keep building a future where every young person has the resources and relationships to thrive. Together with our students, families, team, Board, and partners, we created this vision to ensure that Rock to the Future remains a place where joy and justice meet and where every beat makes a difference. We’re excited to share it with you and even more excited to make it real with your partnership. Thank you for believing in our mission and for rocking out alongside us. The best is yet to come!

With gratitude and enthusiasm,

Jessica Craft, CEO

Jen Bieter, Board Chair

Created with Chaya Scott, Chief Aspiration Officer, Chaya Scott Consulting, LLC

Read the Full Strategic Plan Here

From MusiCore Students to Instructors February 23, 2026 READ MORE Being an Instrument for Change: The Power of Partnership February 2, 2026 READ MORE Where Joy And Justice Meet: Our Vision for the Next Five Years December 22, 2025 READ MORE Rock to the Future Earns Prestigious Award from organization SixDegrees.org, Founded by Kevin Bacon November 25, 2025 READ MORE Be An Instrument For Change! November 4, 2025 READ MORE Rooted in Music, Grounded in Justice: Our 2024 - 2025  Impact Report is Here October 7, 2025 READ MORE Building, Belonging, and Beyond: Our 2024-2025 Year in Review September 24, 2025 READ MORE Music, Mentorship, and Career Connected Learning at Rock to the Future September 8, 2025 READ MORE 15 Years Of Free Music Programs In Philadelphia July 29, 2025 READ MORE When Passion Meets Opportunity: Opening Doors For Philly Youth June 30, 2025 READ MORE Empowering the Next Generation of Music Educators June 2, 2025 READ MORE Pathways to Success: How Rock to the Future Shaped My High School Journey May 7, 2025 READ MORE Year-End Showcase: Where Talent Shines and Courage Takes Center Stage April 29, 2025 READ MORE How Youth-Centered Music Programs Empower Future Leaders April 3, 2025 READ MORE Watch Our Music Room At The Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center Come To Life March 6, 2025 READ MORE Rock to the Future builds music room at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center In West Philadelphia February 5, 2025 READ MORE Being an Instrument for Change: Thank You for Supporting Philly Youth January 3, 2025 READ MORE From Music to Mentorship: How Rock to the Future Shaped My Path November 25, 2024 READ MORE Kennedy Violins Donates 100+ Guitars To Rock to the Future DO October 25, 2024 READ MORE Building Community Through Music September 26, 2024 READ MORE Empowering Youth through Social Emotional Learning, Resource Support, and Justice Engagement September 3, 2024 READ MORE Rock to the Future Partners with District Attorney’s Office to Support Youth Diversion August 5, 2024 READ MORE Celebrating and Supporting the Class of 2024 May 24, 2024 READ MORE Rock to the Future students are Black, Brown and Bound for Berklee! May 16, 2024 READ MORE Summer MusicWithMe Dates Added! April 25, 2024 READ MORE MusicWithMe: Our New Intergenerational Music Program! March 8, 2024 READ MORE Music for All Ball Performer Spotlight: Sam Rise February 20, 2024 READ MORE The Most Impactful Gift You Can Give This Season December 15, 2023 READ MORE We're calling on you to BE AN INSTRUMENT FOR CHANGE! October 31, 2023 READ MORE Rock to the Future's Impact Report Reveals Pathways to Brighter Futures October 11, 2023 READ MORE

What really made the difference was how this program changed my mindset. I used to let fear of failure stop me from pursuing what I loved. Rock to the Future helped me realize that I can choose my passion and still succeed. Now I’m attending CCP to study music education, and I know I’m on the right path.
- Rock to the Future Student 

They have gifted me the ability to pick myself up when I fall off stages - literally and metaphorically - the strength to continue my education (becoming one of the first Rock to the Future's alumni to graduate from college), and the power to throw myself into the unknown with the confidence of understanding I’ll survive.                
- Rock to the Future Alumni

At Rock to the Future, I discovered how much more I liked playing music, I developed a love for service and gained a deeper appreciation for academics and then learned to appreciate all the work that goes into making good music and made lots of good friends. The instructors there, I love them all, have helped to mold my future dreams and personal development. I learned through the program, I have developed not just time management, communication and perseverance but also a mindset of tackling fear and overcoming challenges. I think that with this mindset plus the knowledge that I attained, I will be ready to succeed in college.                
- Rock to the Future Student

Rock to the Future has been one of Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Service Center biggest contributors in helping our organization get beck on track. Coming out of COVID at the end of 2021, we were in desperate need to get programming for our residents. With everything being isolated and residents not being allowed to move to programming, or do activities, we really were saved in someway by "THE ROCK," Lol. Rock to the Future were willing to do whatever needed to get the job done. All the residents, and staff love the program, and the connection that are students are making once they are released back to the community. We just want to thank Rock to the Future once again for a job well done!                 - Program Partner