15 Years Of Free Music Programs In Philadelphia

It’s already August and autumn is quickly approaching. As this school year begins, Rock to the Future is celebrating 15 years of music programming. A lot of people don’t know our organization began as volunteer based programs in a community center basement. Throughout our time working in Philadelphia, we have learned a lot about our neighborhoods and we have adapted our programs over the years to best meet all of the different sets of needs that young people throughout the city have.

Save the Date! We’ll be celebrating our 15-year anniversary on October 18th from 12-4pm at Cira Green. RSVP here!

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MusiCore

Our free, after school music program is the most intensive. We originally started at Kensington High School and are celebrating 15 years of it running. In 2018 we expanded to have a second MusiCore program in Germantown at Roosevelt Elementary + Middle School. Both of these locations are led by our MusiCore Manager Jaylen Jordan. Within these programs we also have our “Ready for the Future” space, led by our Education Manager, Alex Graham. Here, MusiCore students receive academic and high school selection support, college and trade school application help, and more.

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Jaylen Jordan, MusiCore Manager
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Alex Graham, Education Manager
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Philadelphia children and teens from grades 6-12 learn to play instruments, write and record original music, and perform at professional venues around Philly. They get support with schoolwork, high school selection and college applications, and life skills like job readiness and managing money. Students hear firsthand from guest speakers representing a wide range of industries and are also connected to paid internship opportunities and resource support with essentials like food, housing, and health.

“I feel like it’s helped me in a way of figuring out who I want to be. Before I came to Rock to the Future I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life and now I know what college I want to go to and what I want to be. Also, it’s helped me bring myself out more because I used to be a very closed-off kid.. social but closed off.  It helped me open up more as a person and to know who I am and the people here are all so nice, so it helped even more. Especially the instructors and adults, they’re all close to our ages so they’re really fun to talk to.”

-Tra’ahna, current Rock to the Future student of 5 years.

MusiCommunity 

Our MusiCommunity programs allowed us to move the impact of our programs out of just schools and into community centers around the city. This allowed us to expand the accessibility of our programs to new neighborhoods and offer programs in a new way. We built a community music studio at As I Plant This Seed and empowered our students at One Art Community Center to run a youth-led and youth-centered open mic night. At the heart of our MusiCommunity programs are Senior Program Manager Victoria Watts and our multi-talented instructor, Jack Zaferes.

Community partners Include:

  • As I Plant This Seed
  • One Art Community Center
  • NOMO Foundation
  • Juvenile Justice Center - Intensive Prevention Services

"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.." - Rock to the Future student

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Victoria Watts, Senior Program Manager
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Jack Zaferes (on the right), Music Instructor 

Justice Programs

One of the major focuses for the organization over the past year has been the expansion of our Justice programs. This work includes our support for young people impacted by the justice system. Whether in incarceration, navigating reentry, intervention, or diversion, we are rooted in our commitment to serving Philadelphia youth from all experiences holistically. We launched programs at the JJC Intensive Prevention Services site in Germantown, and with help from foundations like SixDegrees.Org, we built a music studio in the Juvenile Justice Services Center. We are currently strengthening these avenues through partnerships with the Office of Public Safety’s Group Violence Initiative and the District Attorney’s Office.

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Two key team members who work in this space are our Youth Engagement Specialist, MJ Jaramillo and our Youth Justice Specialist, Dwight Olds. MJ brings with them their experience in client-focused crisis management, and their role within the space has been focused on surveying the needs of the young people in our Justice Programs and connecting them with resources. She’s shifting her focus from justice programs to broaden her impact by supporting all of our students, something she excels at.

Dwight Olds joined our team after working with the Institute for the Development of African‑American Youth (IDAAY), where he supported community-based intervention and prevention initiatives. As Youth Justice Specialist, Dwight leads reentry support, diversion and intervention planning, and partnership development, working closely with the courts, community stakeholders, and more to help young people transition out of involvement in the justice system and into our community programs.

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MJ Jaramillo, Youth Engagement Specialist
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Dwight Olds, Youth Justice Specialist

MobileMusic 

Over the years, music programming has become less readily available through both public and private schools. Oftentimes, the programming that does exist comes with barriers like fees, needing to buy an expensive instrument, and needing to audition to join. Our MobileMusic programs were created to get around all of those traditional obstacles and offer music programming during the school day to students at schools throughout the city. Classes include guitar, ukulele, piano, drums, choral ensemble, and music production.

    Artie and Derek are not only excellent multi-instrumentalists, but also amazing teachers skilled in differentiated instruction techniques and classroom management. 

    Locations include: Hackett, Penn Treaty, St Peters, Wissahickon Charter, West Catholic, St Laurentius, Esperanza, Martha Washington, Anti Drug and Alcohol Crusaders (ADAC)

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    Music Instructors Artie Sandler (left) and Derek Gertz (right). Photos by Amber Johnston.
    All of these programs are led by our amazing Director of Programs, Rachel Godfrey. Rachel has been with us for four years and has grown from a music instructor to leading our academic and professional pathway initiatives in our Ready for the Future space. She fearlessly led our Germantown location as a Site Director, and are going on a year at the helm of our programming. She has an intrinsic knowledge that is hard to come across in a person and we are glad to have her on our team. If you are interested in our programs or know a teen that might be interested, click the button below and fill out the form.
    Learn More
    Director of Programs, Rachel Godfrey Photo By Amber Johnston
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    Outside of the people featured above, there is a whole crew of people working to make these programs happen.  Huge shout-out to our MakerLab instructor Emerald Chase and music instructor Barron Lacy. Also to our Program Assistant/Kensington Site Support Nia Nijah and Youth Program Support Jared Smith.

    Behind the scenes our admin team handle the everyday tasks that keep Rock to the Future going. Grateful for our Director of Operations, Daniel Lord, Director of Individual Giving, Christine Dancey, Director of Institutional Relations, Sophia Rivera, Marketing Coordinator Terrell Halsey, and Operations & Finance Coordinator Maria Mirenzi. Last but not least, there is no Rock to the Future without our CEO Jessica Craft and Chief Music Officer Josh Craft!

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    When Passion Meets Opportunity: Opening Doors For Philly Youth

    We believe in supporting the brilliance and potential of Philadelphia’s youth, not only through music and creativity, but also by providing real, tangible economic opportunities that cater to their long-term success.
    When young people have access to paid opportunities in the fields that they love, it benefits their present and future. Instead of scrambling to find part-time work during the school year or picking up summer jobs, students can focus on their education, creativity, well being, and goals. By offering opportunities like our Career Connected Learning (C2L) program with JEVS, Instructor Training Program, Student Ambassador roles, along with scholarships and post-graduate support, we help students to develop meaningful skills, explore career pathways, and focus on their long-term success—without the pressure of financial stress. Opportunities like these reduce the burden that student debt creates when pursuing higher education and help ease financial barriers that too often block young people from moving forward with their dreams. Our goal is to allow Rock to the Future students to invest their time in learning, growing, creating, and developing their futures. These investments help build a foundation for confidence, independence, and a future filled with choice and possibility.
    Rock to the future student receives award at their Year End SHowcase at World Cafe Live
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    “They give a lot of opportunities to people. When I first joined, I was shocked because they teach really well. Then I heard that they were giving out instruments. It's amazing how they provide resources, give scholarships, and help you with college. I think they do that really well.“ -Rock to the Future student

    At our Year End Showcase, we celebrated our largest graduating class yet, sending each of them off with a $1500 scholarship and brand new laptops for post graduate pursuits. This year’s celebration also included the announcement of a new $10,000 scholarship in memory of Georgie Bonds, the late Philadelphia blues legend and one of the original Black cowboys. His final performance was on the World Cafe Live stage in 2022 at Rock to the Future’s Music for All Ball. The Georgie Bonds Scholar Award, sponsored in partnership with the Justamere Foundation, was awarded to student Jose C. who will pursue music in college.

    Heading into the summer, we’ll continue turning up the volume! Partnering with the Philadelphia Youth Network, paid opportunities will be available for Philly teens through our Career Connected Learning (C2L) partnership with JEVS which blends creative skill and career development opportunities. Last summer, we put $84k directly into the hands of Philadelphia youth. This summer, we’re stepping it up to distribute $100,000! Teens can earn up to $1,500 just by doing what they love: learning, creating, and growing. Teens join us for a 2-week MusiCore Summer camp at our Germantown or Kensington locations, where they’ll learn to play an instrument, dive into music production, explore graphic design, participate in hands-on educational workshops, and perform live at our exciting end-of-summer showcase! This is more than just a summer job, it's a chance for students to build their skills, grow their creative voice, and earn money while doing it. Whether they’re into beats, design, performing, or just discovering what’s next, Rock to the Future’s WorkReady program is the place to be.

    “We’re offered paid opportunities through WorkReady in the summer, where in return for completing 2 weeks of professional development and 2 weeks of music instruction, each student is paid over a thousand dollars by the end of the summer.” -Hadassah, recent graduate
    Rock to the Future students pose for a photo after a workshop with Ken Peeples.

    Empowering the Next Generation of Music Educators

    At Rock to the Future, we know that music has the power to transform lives and that transformation starts with strong, compassionate educators. That’s why we’re excited to launch our Instructor Training Program, a pilot initiative running from June through December 2025! This program is designed to train and empower Philadelphia-based musicians who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.

    This free, paid learning opportunity is open to alumni of Rock to the Future who are interested in becoming music educators and youth development professionals. Participants will gain hands-on experience, receive in-depth training, and ultimately help expand access to free music education opportunities for hundreds of Philadelphia youth. The program also looks to cultivate a more diverse pipeline of teaching artists by increasing representation of women, BIPOC, and LGBTQ individuals, groups that have historically been underrepresented in this field.

    What the Program Offers

    Through this year-long initiative, participants will:

    • Engage in 20–25 hours of knowledge-building workshops
    • Join six 2-hour peer learning sessions for feedback, reflection, and support
    • Complete 40+ hours of shadowed instruction and coaching
    • Be paid for their time and commitment

    The program will introduce and strengthen essential skills like trauma-informed practices, restorative approaches, student-driven and differentiated instruction, and equity-focused teaching strategies. Rock to the Future graduates will be equipped not only to teach but to inspire and lead. Hear what Rock to the Future alum, Phoenix, is excited about.

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    “I’ve been a part of Rock to the Future for the past three years during the time when I was in high-school. Throughout my time, music has not only been a passion, but a powerful tool for personal growth and connection.

    As I step into the Training Instructor Program, I’m most looking forward to deepening my connection with others through music. I believe that music has the unique ability to bring people together, to inspire, and to heal and I hope to share that experience with both my peers and the students I will work with.

    My motivation for becoming an instructor stems from a desire to empower the next generation. I want to help young people discover the transformative power of music, just as I have, and to build meaningful relationships rooted in creativity, trust, and mutual respect. It’s not just about teaching notes and rhythms it's about building a community where every voice matters.” -Phoenix

    Program Goals and Outcomes

    We’ve set clear, measurable goals to ensure the success of both our trainees and the youth they’ll serve:

    • Completion & Career Pathways: All four pilot participants will graduate and go on to teach independently for 4–8 hours a week through 5–10 community partners
    • Organizational Impact: Rock to the Future will expand its reach, serving 250+ additional students annually through new classes led by program graduates
    Funding and Future Growth

    Thanks to a generous $40,000 grant from The Seybert Foundation, we’re able to fund this pilot year and lay the groundwork for a sustainable fee-for-service model. This investment not only supports our immediate goals but strengthens our long-term capacity to grow music education access in Philadelphia.

    Building a Stronger, More Equitable Future

    The Instructor Training Program is a pathway to equity, representation, and opportunity in arts education. By investing in alumni who were once in our programs, we’re not just teaching music. We’re creating change-makers who will carry the power of youth development into classrooms and communities across the city.

    Stay tuned for updates on our pilot cohort and the exciting growth ahead for Rock to the Future!

    Pathways to Success: How Rock to the Future Shaped My High School Journey

    My name is Hadassah. I’m a senior in High School, and this is my third year in Rock to the Future. I heard about Rock to the Future in 2021 from my cousin, who was learning guitar in the program at the time. From that summer on, Rock to the Future became an integral part of my life.
    You can learn music anywhere. Anyone can pick up an instrument and play with a group. But, what made Rock to the Future such a memorable part of my high school journey were the people I found myself working with. My guitar teacher doesn’t just want me to play guitar, he wants me to excel, he pays attention to my strengths and weaknesses, and he pushes me to play what I believed I couldn’t; my choir teacher doesn’t see me as just another student in a sea of many, he pays attention to what parts I prefer to sing, understands which parts I struggle in and allows me to hone my strengths; the Ready for the Future instructors don’t see me as just one more student going to college, they’re invested in my success, they want me to fulfill my dreams and believe I can.
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    In addition, we don’t just spend all our time learning music in the classroom. We’ve gone on college tours to Temple, Harkins College, CCP, and more; we’ve had guest speakers who taught us things like how math integrates into music, how to control our emotions and understand our triggers, and so many others that were all relevant in their own ways. We’re also offered paid opportunities through WorkReady in the summer, where in return for completing 2 weeks of professional development and 2 weeks of music instruction, each student is paid over a thousand dollars by the end of the summer.

    Another paid opportunity is the Student Ambassador, which I was fortunate enough to have been chosen for. As a student ambassador, I am allowed to represent Rock to the Future on tours with various donors where I am given the opportunity to not only share my experience with the program but to explain from a student’s perspective what we do in each block and how it contributes to Rock to the Future’s overall goal, and I’m given $25 at the end of each tour. Most recently, I’ve been given the opportunity to graduate from Rock to the Future with a scholarship and a laptop, both things that will help immensely as I take this next step into college.

    Thanks For Your Support!

    All of these things were made possible because of the amazing donors who believed in Rock to the Future enough to trust this program with their money. Now, you can be a part of that impact as well by donating to Rock to the Future’s Pathways to Success campaign, where every dollar you donate will be doubled thanks to a generous match. It’s your support that makes all of this possible.

    Donate to our Pathways to Success campaign to support students like Hadassah!
    MAKE A DONATION TODAY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

    Year-End Showcase: Where Talent Shines and Courage Takes Center Stage

    Each year, as the school calendar winds down and summer is on the horizon, something incredible happens at Rock to the Future. A stage comes alive with sound, color, and emotion as young musicians, songwriters, and performers from our MusiCore Kensington and Germantown after-school programs share what they’ve learned throughout the year, including original music they’ve written themselves! The annual Year-End Showcase is a celebration of our students’ achievements, perseverance, bravery, and creativity! It’s also our chance to celebrate the amazing seniors who will be graduating from our program as our largest graduating class yet! Through our Pathways to Success initiative, each graduate will receive a laptop and individual scholarship grants. The awards ceremony will take place during the Year End Showcase.
    At Rock to the Future, creativity is an outlet, lifeline, and vehicle for youth empowerment. There are struggles—personal, academic, and social that test resilience daily. Through music, students find a way to process, to express, and to thrive. Each riff, verse, and beat is a testament to hours of practice, self-discovery, and community support. When those songs hit the stage, they become performances, but also much more. They become proof.
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    Proof that creativity can fuel confidence. Proof that mentorship and access to the arts can make a difference. Proof that perseverance isn’t always about pushing through silence, but finding your volume.

    The Year-End Showcase is a milestone. It's the moment when students go from rehearsing in classrooms and bedrooms to performing on stage in front of their peers, families, and community members. For some, it’s their first time stepping into the spotlight. For others, it’s a yearly tradition that marks how far they’ve come. For all, it’s a powerful moment that will never be forgotten.

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    "I'm excited to see how far everyone has come this year and to celebrate everyone's talent and hard work with friends and family. Compared to my first showcase, where I was a lot more nervous and just trying to figure things out, this one feels like such a full-circle moment. Now that I’m graduating, it means a lot to take the stage one last time, more confident, more myself, and surrounded by everyone who's been part of the journey."

    -Hadassah, Rock to the Future student

    What makes the showcase truly special is that it reflects both individual journeys and collective strength. Behind every song is a group of teaching artists who believed, friends who collaborated, and family members who showed up. The audience isn’t just clapping for the music but they're applauding the effort, the growth, and the courage it takes to create something and share it.

    As the final notes echo into summer, they carry melodies of joy and transformation. For the teens of Rock to the Future, the academic year ends, but they’re beginning something bold, empowered by the creativity that brought them this far. 

    Join us on June 5th from 4:30-7pm at World Cafe Live!

    Be part of this inspiring moment. Come celebrate the voices of tomorrow at Rock to the Future’s Year-End Showcase. Bring your energy, your applause, and your belief in the power of youth and the arts. Let’s show our support and appreciation for our youth and the possibilities that can be achieved when we come together. RSVP today!

    How Youth-Centered Music Programs Empower Future Leaders

    What does it mean to be student-driven and youth-centered? At Rock to the Future, it means that young people take the lead—shaping their learning experiences, expressing their voices, and driving the creative process. It’s about fostering independence, confidence, and critical skills that extend beyond music into every aspect of their lives.

    A powerful example of this in action is our Concert Creators program at OneArt Community Center in West Philly, where students take the lead in organizing and performing at our quarterly Youth-Led Open Mic events. Each week, students come together to learn, create, and collaborate, gaining hands-on experience in planning, promotion, project management, marketing, and live performance. These student-driven events provide a platform for youth to share their creativity, support one another, and take full ownership of the process, from designing event flyers to curating the lineup and handling logistics.

    At our open mic nights, audiences can expect a vibrant mix of spoken word, group jams, piano class performances, and original songs, all met with roaring applause and the beaming faces of proud parents and friends. But beyond the performances, students gain more than just stage experience, they develop essential life skills like communication, teamwork, time management, and leadership, building a foundation for future success.

    "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, and it'll be four in the next week!" -Rock to the Future student

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    Our commitment to student-driven programming goes beyond our Open Mic events. Across all our programs, we create spaces where young people lead, collaborate, and shape their experiences.

    • Rules of Rock: Students work together to create peer agreements that set expectations for their learning environment, empowering them to hold one another accountable.
    • Songwriting & Creative Expression: We encourage students to write and perform original music that reflects their experiences and perspectives.
    • Leadership & Decision-Making: Students contribute to strategic planning, help select consultants and facilitators, and even serve on our staff and Board of Directors as alumni.
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    Music has a unique way of breaking down barriers, bringing students together, and fostering growth. When young people are given the opportunity to lead this process, they become more motivated and determined, knowing their stories and ideas are at the center. We see this across all our programs, and Concert Creators/Open Mic is a powerful example where students grow as artists as well as leaders, developing essential skills through the student-driven elements of the program.

    Join Us at the Next Open Mic!

    The next OneArt Open Mic is happening on June 13th! If you’re a young artist looking to connect with your peers, share your work, or simply experience an inspiring night of music and creativity, we’d love to see you there! RSVP today!

    Support Our Programs!

    Want to support programs like this? Your donation helps keep student-driven, empowering music programs free for youth across Philadelphia. Make a difference today at rocktothefuture.org/donate.

    Watch Our Music Room At The Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center Come To Life

    We’re thrilled to share the video recap of our latest milestone—creating a music room and recording studio at the Juvenile Justice Services Center! This video highlights the process, the purpose behind the project, and features interviews with students, staff, and partners. Watch how this inspiring space empowers youth to express themselves, develop new skills, and build brighter futures through music.

    Video Transcripts

    0:01 Rock to the Future partners with schools

    0:04 Community organizations and the juvenile

    0:06 justice system to provide free

    0:08 student-driven music programming for

    0:10 Philadelphia youth we use music as a

    0:13 bridge to provide other services like

    0:15 education support Pathway to

    0:16 professional careers mental and physical

    0:18 health needs social emotional wellness

    0:20 and we're really focusing on music as

    0:22 being a means to lifelong

    0:25 well-being in 2022 the Philadelphia

    0:28 Juvenile Justice Services Center called

    0:30 us we wanted youth to have that

    0:32 experience to be in a dedicated place

    0:34 where they can collaborate they can

    0:36 learn technical skills they can write

    0:38 original music but another key point is

    0:41 being able to have a space that families

    0:42 can come into to celebrate the talents

    0:45of young

    0:47 people music was important to me because

    0:50 I look at it as Outlet growing up things

    0:52 was a little bit rough in the house so I

    0:54 listen to music to block the negativity

    0:56 all the individuals on the W they're

    0:58 inspiring to me the challenge you

    1:00 overcome let me know that the challenges

    1:02 I'm facing right now I can overcome them

    1:04 my goal is is become a music producer Rock

    1:08 to the future is able to let me get

    1:10 there the new music room is a space that

    1:12 a lot of people needed this is a space

    1:13 that we can go to and just show our

    1:15 talent and be freely and non judgmental

    1:18 Rock to the Future stepped on the unit I

    1:20 just put the headphones on and just

    1:21 zoned out music has been in my life

    1:23 since the age of four me and my mom

    1:25 would sit in the living room you know

    1:26 make music and I would perform for her

    1:28 and I felt like growing up music music

    1:30 has always been something that I can go

    1:32 to to express my

    1:34 [Music]

    1:36 feelings this beautiful room people are

    1:39 going to get a chance to make music and

    1:42 music is something that uh connects us

    1:46 my father was a big force in

    1:47 Philadelphia and to me my mother was an

    1:50 equal force and having this room and her

    1:52 name uh is verification of that and I

    1:54 want to thank you guys very

    1:56 much what we are here to celebrate is

    1:59 that this will become the standard

    2:02 operating procedure as it relates to the

    2:05 Innovative paths that Philadelphia will

    2:09 use to motivate Inspire and encourage

    2:13 our young

    2:15 people this is so great to take the time

    2:17 to invest in the personal creativity and

    2:20 emotional and well-being of all of our

    2:22 young people participa in music gives

    2:25 our young people a sense of self-esteem

    2:28 a sense of confidence and that sense of

    2:31 [Music]

    2:42 discipline again music is the door to

    2:45 providing other support systems one of

    2:47 our goals is to build relationships with

    2:49 the youth while they're in the Juvenile

    2:51 Justice Services Center so that way upon

    2:53 their release we're able to keep them

    2:54 connected to our community locations in

    2:56 order to support continued positive

    2:58 outcomes and thriving youth and and just

    3:00 continued opportunities for

    3:04 them the best way for people to support

    3:06 us is by getting involved whether that

    3:08 be you know making a financial

    3:10 contribution uh volunteering donating

    3:12 instruments and they can learn more by

    3:14 visiting Rock to the future.org

    3:17 [Applause]

    3:19 [Music]

    3:22 [Applause]

    3:24 [Music]

    Rock to the Future builds music room at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center In West Philadelphia

    The chill of winter has settled over the city of brotherly love, but we have heartwarming news! Rock to the Future is expanding its music programming by creating a dedicated music space and professional recording booth for youth who have been ordered by the court to be held at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center (PJJSC) in West Philadelphia.

    This new music room opened on January 29th and will provide justice-involved teens with weekly lessons that give them the opportunity to create, collaborate, and perform original music while developing essential life skills and fostering personal growth. The space will feature a recording booth, dedicated areas for music production, and a stage—all designed to provide youth with resources to learn, create in a collaborative setting, and celebrate one another’s talent. Imagine families gathering to watch their children perform, connecting through shared moments of pride and joy. This is more than a music room; it’s a platform for second chances and renewed hope.

    Images By Terrell Halsey

    “The young people at the Juvenile Justice Services Center are incredibly talented and motivated,” said Jessica Craft, CEO and Founder of Rock to the Future. “It’s an honor and a necessity to provide these youth with opportunities, hope, and a second chance—to ensure their entire humanity is recognized in a world quick to label them. I’m excited to collaborate with so many amazing partners to create a space that will promote joy and peer collaboration and foster family engagement.”

    Selena, a teen at PJJSC, performs a beatmaking demonstration for the crowd | Image By Terrell Halsey

    This space also represents the launch of “Ruth’s Room,” an initiative by SixDegrees.org named in honor of Ruth Bacon, the mother of Kevin and Michael Bacon. Ruth was a trailblazer—a dedicated educator and justice advocate who, in the 1980s, created a program to connect incarcerated men with their children. Her legacy lives on in this initiative, which continues her mission to uplift and empower those impacted by the justice system.

    Since March 2022, Rock to the Future has offered music programs at the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center (PJJSC), starting with just 15 students. By June 2023, the program had grown to serve 200+ youth annually. Prior to the creation of the music room, students participated in music classes within their living units, where space is limited, and their access to broader programming is sometimes restricted. In response to these challenges, Rock to the Future has worked to identify and transform a space that will serve as a hub for music production, classes, and showcases.

    This new project will serve as a key tool in supporting long-term positive outcomes for participants, including improved mental health, connection to peers, family engagement by allowing families to attend student performances, support with transition upon re-entry and pathways to professional careers.

    Mayor Cherelle Parker talks with youth within PJJSC, Selena and Kashian, after their performance | Image By Terrell Halsey

    A huge THANK YOU to everyone who made this possible: Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Services Center, Sixdegrees.org (a 501(c)(3) founded by Kevin Bacon), The McLean Contributionship, The Bacon Brothers, Mayor Cherelle Parker, Department of Human Services, and the School District of Philadelphia for their collaboration. 

    Special shoutout to His and Her Interiors for this phenomenal renovation, and Wendy Medley, our incredible muralist, for bringing this vision to life! 

    We also appreciate the support from SCI Phoenix NAACP, Real Street Talk, Boonah & Khion – Stack or Starve Records, Wallo, Meek Mill, Will Smith, the family of PNB Rock and all the additional supporters who played a role in making this dream a reality.

    Check out our press page for coverage of the ribbon-cutting event and our SmugMug for more photos!

    Our community of supporters makes this work possible! If you’re passionate about creating transformational opportunities for youth, we invite you to get involved:

    Donate – Help fund free music programs for youth

    Volunteer – Share your time and skills

    Stay Connected – Follow us on social media (@rock2Future) and sign up for our newsletter to keep up with our impact.

    Plus, check out the powerful music our students at JJSC created this summer: 

    Together, we can empower youth through music and mentorship!

    Being an Instrument for Change: Thank You for Supporting Philly Youth

    As we close out another incredible year, we are thrilled to share the success of our end-of-year fundraiser and extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed. Together, we raised an inspiring $160k+, surpassing our goal and ensuring that Rock to the Future can continue to create pathways of opportunity for Philly youth through music education and mentorship.

    Your support is transforming lives, as evidenced by stories like that of Laila Faulkner, one of our proud Student Ambassadors. Here’s what Laila had to say:

    “My name is Laila Faulkner, and I’m a proud Student Ambassador at Rock to the Future.

    Before joining, I was very shy and quite the introvert. Since joining Rock to the Future at age eleven, I’ve not only gotten much better with my social skills and public speaking, but I’ve also gained more knowledge—like learning to read music, writing my own music, and playing difficult songs on the piano!

    I’m so grateful for the support that has made these opportunities possible. Because of you, I’ve been able to participate in programs such as Rock to the Future’s ‘Work Ready program’ and college trips. Also, thanks to your support, I was able to participate in the ‘Born to Shine Design Contest,’ and mine was chosen as the winning design, recognized at the 2024 Music for All Ball.

    Your support means so much to us. By continuing to give, you can help even more teens like me grow, develop, and be ready to step out into the world to further pursue our dreams.

    Thank you for everything you do for us. I’m excited for what the future holds, and I know your support makes it all possible.”

    Laila’s story is just one example of the impact your generosity creates. Every dollar raised helps to:

    • Support the well-being of 1200+ youth in under-resourced communities and give them the confidence to succeed through free, student-driven music programs
    • Provide joy, healthy relationships and career exposure for 250+ youth in detention centers, plus providing re-entry support to keep them connected to our programs upon release
    • Give justice-impacted youth a second chance by helping us build our diversion program to expunge youth records and help them navigate complex systems
    • Empower 80+ youth economically with opportunities that include exposure to college and trades, scholarships, and paid work experiences, plus additional resource support

    Your contributions ensure that more young people like Laila can thrive and build bright futures. We’re immensely proud of the work we’ve accomplished together this year and are excited for what’s to come in 2025.

    From all of us at Rock to the Future: Thank you for being an instrument for change in the lives of Philly youth. Let’s continue to make music, build community, and create opportunities—together.

    From Music to Mentorship: How Rock to the Future Shaped My Path

    My name is Jose Padilla, and I am a senior at Kensington High School. I’ve been part of Rock to the Future for two years. I started by playing the piano, and now I’m learning the drums. While I’m not a student ambassador, I’ve naturally taken on a leadership role within the program as an upperclassman.

    When I first joined, I was amazed at how welcoming this community was. Even though I joined later than most students, I felt accepted right away by everyone involved. Many of my friends were already in the program, and they helped me adjust by showing me around and introducing me to the space. The mentors were also incredibly supportive. They helped me catch up on learning the piano and encouraged me to get involved in activities. Through this, I was able to strengthen existing friendships and make so many new ones.

    One of the best things about Rock to the Future is that I’ve always felt like I could be myself. I never had to pretend to be someone I’m not. I could make the kind of jokes I’d normally save for my close friends, and I felt comfortable being social without any anxiety. This community understands me so well, and it inspired me to commit to its mission of providing youth like me with the skills to succeed in music.

    The education and experiences I’ve gained from this program mean so much to me. My only regret is not joining sooner. One of the reasons this community is so special to me is the connection I’ve built with my mentors and the friendships I’ve made. My mentors don’t just feel like teachers—they feel like friends. We’ve spent countless hours laughing, bonding over music and our favorite bands, and working on improving my skills, whether on piano or drums. My friends in the program have also been a big part of my growth. We’ve made music together and helped each other improve our craft.

    Another reason I value this program so much is how understanding and flexible it has been with my schedule. I’ve been involved in multiple extracurricular activities, including playing on the volleyball team. During volleyball season, the Rock to the Future team worked with me to ensure I could balance both commitments. They supported me in making it to volleyball practice and then leaving early with my coach’s permission so I could still participate in the music program.

    Thank you for your support of Rock to the Future. It’s because of you that we can continue doing great things as a community. I hope my story inspires you to keep supporting the students and this program. I’m so thankful for being welcomed as my true self, and I wouldn’t change a single thing about this amazing community.

    Support our mission today! Be an Instrument for Change
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