We at Rock to the Future are so proud of the impact our programs have throughout the City of Philadelphia and beyond. We could talk about it all day (and sometimes do), but we think the best way to share our successes is to pass the microphone to the people who know us best, our students!
I’ve been in RTTF since I was 10 years old. During this time, I’ve learned a lot. One thing is it’s not as scary as it seems to approach people. I have very bad anxiety and meeting new people makes me nervous, but once I joined Rock, it kind of changed and I got a little better and I really appreciate it because I wouldn’t have my best friends if I didn’t. I also learned to not give up because eventually you’ll see progress. Once I started committing my time and believing in myself as well as having the instructors motivate me as well, I finally started seeing progress and was happy enough to want to keep going. I’ve learned how to express myself as well as speak up for what I want and way more and how to strive toward what I want in my future. I was finally given the option to pick what I wanted to do in life while attending RTTF and they helped set me on the track to achieve that. RTTF is not only a safe space but has been a second home for me through all my hard times. Whether you're a freshman or a sophomore or junior, my advice to you is attend program as much as you can because it can be very beneficial in different ways such as coming out of your shell, building confidence in yourself and what you do, and much more. - Rock to the Future Student
I have been a part of for five years. 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
As I start to gear up for my final days as a high school senior, my goals after graduation are for a post-secondary education, making meaningful connections, and an international learning experience. Securing the money from the Higher Education Fund Scholarship stands as a beacon of opportunity to help me turn these goals of mine into reality. With the assistance of the Higher Education Fund Scholarship, I aim to enroll in a well-respected college or university where I can submerge myself in rigid academic curricula, engage in educational discussions, and gain the skills necessary for me to excel in my future career endeavors. With the money from this scholarship investing in my education, this scholarship will not only help me warrant academic excellence but also equip me with the tools necessary to contribute meaningfully to society. - Rock to the Future Student
I joined rock when I was 16 years old while in 10th grade. Before joining I wasn’t sure what was in store. I was anxious, and never really was a people person. I was always isolated in the house doing schoolwork or taking care of my siblings. I felt as though work is the only thing I can do because I have to. Although, I knew that this program in particular was a music program, I wasn’t the type to believe I can do anything as far as playing an instrument, and I wasn’t very good at music theory (I am still struggling with that). So I was not confident in learning anything in this category. However, after joining I figured out that anyone can do anything that also includes me! That’s when my anxiety started to go away and I was comfortable to be myself as well as speaking with my peers. But I didn’t expect to gain such genuine connections with my peers and even the instructors. The relationship I have with my peers and instructors feel euphoric, it feels as if it’s a second home. I remember reaching out to instructors whenever I had family problems and it helped out alot. This program has helped me find who I am as a person and helped me open up as well. I feel more outgoing, found more interest in music and realized the groups I wish to hang around in the future - Rock to the Future Student
Over the past two years RTTF 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 aloud to move to programming, or do activities we really were saved in someway by the "THE ROCK" Lol. With only one request RTTF was here, and programming in no time. They volunteered to do programming on units because we as a agency we unable to travel due to staff shortages. This was not easy doing programming where the residents live, and do there everyday activities. RTTF, and the team of Josh, Derrick, MJ, and the whole RTTF team were willing to do whatever needed to get the job done. RTTF has worked with over 250 residents since the start of programming. 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 RTTF once again for a job well done! -Ronald Fuller, Juvenile Justice Services Center, Program Partner
Working with Rock to the Future has allowed me to become an honored partner and student once again. RTTF brings music, enrichment, culture and expression into the lives of Philadelphians all over. In providing diverse music programs, coupled with life skills and academic programs, RTTF provides holistic support and well-trained staff who specialize in mental health support. This program is so incredibly intentional. In watching how they operate, we have been able to see their impact and watch how our children have grown into more expressive, courageous and independent young adults. - Chanice Smith, NOMO Foundation, Program Partner
I like the community, how everybody gets along, and how close everybody feels. - Rock to the Future Student
It's not just an instrument program, it's for everything. It's for the future, college, and mental health. - Rock to the Future Student
I like band practice the most because it is really difficult to find outside bands, people that play a certain instrument, and people that have a certain voice. When you come to Rock to the Future, it gives everybody an opportunity to just have the experience of being in a band.
They give a lot of opportunities to different people. When I first joined, I was shocked because they teach really well. Then I heard that they were giving out instruments, and I was like, "God, that's crazy." It's crazy how they provide resources, give scholarships, and help you with college. - Rock to the Future Student
Rock to the Future definitely helps me with social problems much more, as well as the creative. For social it's again a freedom area in an open space, in a judgment-free zone, which allows me to just be a bit more myself and then adapt that to outside. I like who I am now and I'm just happy for the opportunity and for that gift that they granted us. - Rock to the Future Student
The main thing I've enjoyed with Rock to the Future is that they give you a nice way to try new things. For instance, I hosted three open mics, about to be four in the next week. - Rock to the Future Student
They helped me out a lot too. My family didn't really have food for a while. We didn't have a lot of stuff, and they helped, came through and bought me stuff and brought my family food. I really do appreciate that.
They do really good with supporting. If I'm having a bad day, they’ll ask "Oh, if you want to talk, I'm here." Or they're say, "Oh, you could take some time." . I like how they let us go in our own space or they're always there to listen and hear. It's not just a instrument program, it's for everything. It's for the future, college, it's for that kind of mental health. - Rock to the Future Student