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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Kennedy Violins Donates 100+ Guitars To Rock to the Future DO

Fall is in the air. The leaves are changing color, the temperature is dropping, and our programs are back in full force! That means there is a new batch of students excited to learn how to play the guitar, and thanks to one company, we’ve got new instruments for them! Kennedy Violins, a leading provider of high-quality string instruments located in Washington State, has made a generous donation of 102 acoustic guitars to our programs. The donation is valued at over $35,000 and means that we have guitars for students at multiple of our locations to use. 

Providing instruments for our students has been a staple of our programming since the beginning. One of our goals at Rock to the Future is to break down barriers that traditionally would stop students from being able to play music. We provide all our students with the instruments they need to complete our programs, thanks to donations from organizations like Kennedy Violins, as well as other organizations and individuals throughout the community. It is also worth noting that our programs require no prior musical experience or auditions, other traditional barriers to music education. 

Kennedy Violins also believes in the transformative power of music. With this donation, the company aims to support Rock to the Future’s mission of breaking down those barriers to music education, and fostering creativity and confidence in children and teens in every neighborhood of the city. 

“This generous donation from Kennedy Violins will provide countless students with the tools they need to learn, express themselves, and grow through music,” said Josh Craft, Rock to the Future’s Chief Music Officer. “We’re also excited to provide students with their own guitar to have at home!”

This partnership between Kennedy Violins and Rock to the Future highlights the shared belief that music can be a powerful force for positive change. Through this donation, the organizations hope to inspire a new generation of musicians and leaders, enriching communities and creating brighter futures for Philadelphia’s youth.

But just because we’ve got these guitars, doesn’t mean our job is over. Our programs serve over 1100 students annually and they need instruments! If you have an old guitar/keyboard/drumset gathering dust in your basement, let us know. We can get it into the hands of a student who is going to use it to start their musical journey.  

Learn more about Kennedy Violins! https://kennedyviolins.com

Fill out our Donate An Instrument form and we’ll be in touch! https://rocktothefuture.org/donate/donate-an-instrument/

Building Community Through Music

Written By Daniel Lord

Community can mean a lot of things. It can be the people who live in the houses around you, or it could be a group of friends scattered across the world. It could be the people you go to school or work with, or a canceled television show starring Donald Glover and Joel McHale. 

When I think about community, I think about the ecosystem a person builds around themselves, their support system. A community is a safe space for people to explore themselves and thrive. A sense of belonging is crucial to a person's development and self-realization, but even with how diverse the City of Philadelphia is, it can be easy to feel isolated.

Rock to the Future’s MusiCommunity programs are designed to help break down those barriers. Our programs bring students from different parts of Philly together to find common ground, and allow students to find others who resonate at the same frequency as they do. These programs are free to attend and all the musical instruments are provided, allowing us to give opportunities to our students that they otherwise might not have the resources to pursue.

The rhythmic pounding of drums has brought people together since the beginning of time, and it’s still the case in community centers across the city. Take a peek inside of our programs and you'll find students coming together to collaborate with each other and create something bigger than the sum of its parts.

Our showcases give them a chance to take what they’ve been working on and show it to the rest of the world, and one of the cardinal “Rules of Rock,” is that every performance is met with applause and positive reinforcement. It takes guts to get up on that stage!

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At As I Plant This Seed we fundraised and built a recording studio that is open to the neighborhood. Students learn music production once a week and at the end of each term throw a listening party, just like some of their favorite artists.
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Students at One Art Community center learn how to play piano and also learn how to run their own DIY shows in our Concert Creators class. They host an Youth Led Open Mic aimed at teens ages 13 - 19 at the end of each term that brings in performers from across the city.
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NOMO means New Options More Opportunities and thats what our programs at the NOMO Foundation are all about.

Teens at NOMO North and South get the opportunity to learn piano or guitar, and give an in class performance at the end of each term.

We've been so excited to see what our students have been able to do at our MusiCommunity programs across the city and its been a great opportunity to expand outside of our school-based programs.

Interested in what you've read? There is still space left in some of our programs, so fill out our program interest form and a member of our team will be in touch!

I'm Interested!

Empowering Youth through Social Emotional Learning, Resource Support, and Justice Engagement

By: MJ Maggie Jaramillo, Youth Engagement Specialist

“You have me over here smiling and starting to take deep breaths, you made my day, thank you.” - Student

As I sit here reflecting on my first full year as Rock to the Future’s full-time Youth Engagement Specialist, I’m in awe of the impact we’ve made together. My name is MJ, and it’s been an honor to work within the communities we serve, amplifying the message, “Your Voice Matters.” Being full-time has allowed us to extend vital support and services within our MusiCore program and through our MusiCommunity and Justice program, driving youth success and development across the board.

Fostering Safe Spaces, Emotional Wellbeing, and Personalized Support for Youth

I enjoy bringing colorful additions to our spaces—fluffy mascots, soft slippers, and dedicated “chill zones” designed for taking breaks and checking in with each other. These elements help foster environments where “silly” is accepted and encouraged. We also use affirmation cards to help youth tap into their inner strengths, and it’s been incredible to witness their growth in confidence, whether on stage or in small group connections.

We create a space with a judgment-free zone and a 'come as you are' mentality, and the students have truly embraced this approach. I still remember the day I arrived on site and nearly intervened when a student was crying. Instead, I took a deep breath and witnessed a remarkable moment: the other youth warmly inviting their friend to embrace and express their sadness. They said, “It’s okay to cry; you don’t want to keep those emotions bottled up inside.” In a world where we often struggle to show our true selves, these young people are making groundbreaking changes by supporting one another and validating each other’s feelings

My role as a full-time Youth Engagement Specialist allows me to provide dedicated individual check-ins with each student. During these check-ins, we discuss how they are doing within the following areas: 

  • Physical health -exploring topics such as sleep hygiene and daily nutrition
  • Mental or emotional well-being - including communication on coping skills to use at the program, as well as home strategies or options in the community,
  •  Education -inquiring on whether a student feels successful in their school classes or current schedule 
  • Allowing dedicated time to sit with our youth and communicate about how they are doing and any challenges they might face. 

For students experiencing resource insecurity, I work closely with our partners to connect them and their families with additional support. And continue expanding our partnerships to support those we serve and the needs we've identified over time **You can check out our resource page, which includes after-hour safe spaces, health and wellness, mental and physical wellbeing, and more.

We also conduct self-reported Social Emotional Learning (SEL) wellbeing assessments at the beginning and end of the year. I'm proud to share that our students reported significant improvements in key SEL areas, such as confidence, understanding and managing emotions, making responsible decisions, and building and maintaining relationships. These results underscore our programs' vital role in fostering positive youth development and the importance of the environments we create to support their growth.

Supporting Justice for Youth

This year, we’ve deepened our involvement with justice-impacted youth, providing them with much-needed support and opportunities for personal growth.

  • Juvenile Justice Services Center (JJSC): We are connecting with detained youth and their families to support their release process, and inviting them into our community spaces has been both humbling and eye-opening. One of the most poignant moments of this year came when a recently released youth from JJSC reached out to invite me to her performance. Despite facing numerous obstacles, her determination to perform was inspiring. I was there to cheer her on, capturing the joy and resilience she displayed on stage. Her story is a testament to the importance of showing up for our youth and supporting them through every challenge. Another eye-opening moment was during the parent-teacher conferences and the resource fair at JJSC. Witnessing the youth excited to share the music they created and the lessons they learned through our program filled the room with joy, accomplishment, and a renewed sense of hope. It was a powerful reminder of the profound impact we have on youth, especially in spaces that are often overlooked.
  • Diversion Program: The District Attorney’s Office reached out to us to become one of their diversion partners this year. Our work with the Diversion Program has been crucial in offering a supportive community to youth who have faced legal challenges and the opportunity to get their records expunged by participating in our program. One parent from the program shared, “There is no hesitation in choosing Rock to the Future for my daughter. MJ has been here throughout this tough process, continuing to show care for our family.” This feedback reaffirms the importance of being present and engaged, especially during difficult times.
Collaborating with Community Partners and Celebrating Youth Success

Throughout the year, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with amazing community partners celebrating the successes of our youth, whether through performances or other achievements. Here are some highlights:

  • Participated in the NOMO Foundation Mental Health Fair to raise awareness for youth mental health and community care.
  • Organized the Attitude of Gratitude Giveaway, where youth selected clothing items to share with others, fostering a spirit of generosity and community.
    • A youth excitedly shared, “I can’t wait to give this to my mom, she’s going to love it.”
    • Another proudly declared, “I look beautiful,” after choosing their new outfit.
  • This year, we brought together youth from different parts of the city for our largest event, the Music for All Ball at World Cafe Live. The significance of this gathering extends beyond just a performance; it fosters connection, community, and collaboration among teens from diverse backgrounds. This unity is crucial in reducing intercommunity violence by promoting understanding and shared experiences. During the event, the youth-led an inspiring affirmation music experience, engaging the audience in affirmations like "I am Light, I am Love, I am Born to Shine," reinforcing their self-worth and collective power.
  • Our programs welcomed students who hadn’t initially identified music as their primary interest. The impact of this program goes far beyond just learning music—it helps students reduce anxiety, build community, and gain confidence, creating a safe and supportive environment. The transformation we witnessed as these new students embraced music and connected with other students was a powerful reminder of how inclusion and creativity can foster personal growth and a sense of belonging.

Philadelphia has experienced many challenges, and our youth are deeply affected. Despite the difficulties, I am proud and humbled to serve our students and be part of this greater mission to support bright pathways for youth. We use music as a bridge while showing up for them in critical ways that foster their development. They deserve the chance to learn music, express themselves through art, have trusted mentors, and access tools for emotional well-being. They deserve safety, community, support during resource insecurity, second chances, and advocacy for their justice. The impact of our work strikes chords of joy and creates pathways for their success. Join us in driving this impact and making a difference for Philly youth through the magic of music. 

See the Full Impact Report
Support Our Mission

Rock to the Future Partners with District Attorney’s Office to Support Youth Diversion

Rock to the Future is excited to announce a new Diversion Program in partnership with Philadelphia's District Attorney's Office. This innovative program bridges the gap between music education and youth empowerment, providing young individuals with opportunities for personal growth, goal-setting, and talent development. By participating in Rock to the Future’s transformative musical and youth development programs, youth referred to the program can have their records expunged, paving the way for a brighter future.

The Diversion Program works through a volunteer-based Youth Aid Panel, which refers teens to Rock to the Future’s out-of-school time programs located in Germantown. These panels play a crucial role in the restorative process, bringing together the juvenile's family, the crime victim, and community members to create a plan that everyone agrees upon. This plan holds the juvenile accountable while helping them avoid a criminal record that could negatively impact their future. Successful completion of the plan results in the expungement of the juvenile’s record.

Rock to the Future’s CEO and Founder, Jessica Craft, emphasizes the importance of providing young people with opportunities for growth and development. “Young people deserve opportunities for personal growth and development to achieve long-term success,” says Craft. “It’s critical that we work together to provide teens with alternatives to support pathways to peace instead of violence.”

Looking ahead, there are plans to expand this valuable program to Rock to the Future’s other service areas, including Kensington, Hunting Park, and West Philadelphia, by the end of 2024. Through this partnership, Rock to the Future and the District Attorney’s Office aim to create positive change in the lives of Philadelphia’s youth, offering them a chance to overcome their past and build a successful future.

Celebrating and Supporting the Class of 2024

Support Our Higher Education Fund Today

Graduation is a time of celebration and new beginnings for high school seniors. However, for many talented and driven students, the path to higher education can come with challenges.

Rock to the Future uses music as a pathway to build trust and community with youth, breaking down barriers and empowering students to reach their full potential.

Through college trips, guest speakers, application and scholarship writing support, access to essential resources, personal encouragement, and the Higher Education Fund - which provides laptops and scholarships for graduates – we aim to make higher education more accessible and attainable for deserving students who may not have the financial means or support network to pursue their dreams. Our students pursue careers in education, technology, business, music, culinary arts, and so much more.

Support Our Higher Education Scholarship and Year End Showcase

Through our Higher Education Fund, graduating seniors receive a scholarship of $1,500. These scholarships help alleviate the burden of upfront costs such as tuition expenses, textbooks, and other educational expenses. By removing financial barriers, we enable students to focus on their studies and fully engage in the college experience. With your support, we will expand the reach of these scholarships and provide opportunities for even more deserving students.

In today's digital age, having the right tools is crucial for academic achievement. Our Higher Education Fund also provides graduating seniors with brand-new MacBooks, ensuring they have the necessary technology to thrive in college and beyond. These laptops become powerful tools for research, online collaboration, and accessing educational resources. By donating to our fund, you directly contribute to a graduating senior's ability to excel in their studies and successfully navigate the digital landscape of higher education.

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The impact of the Higher Education Fund goes far beyond financial assistance and laptops. By investing in these students, you are investing in their futures and the future of our communities. Our graduating seniors break the cycle of limited opportunities and create positive change in their lives and communities. Through higher education, they gain knowledge, skills, and networks that can lead to rewarding careers, economic mobility, leadership roles, and the ability to give back.

To support our Higher Education Fund and make a difference in the lives of graduating seniors, please visit https://givebutter.com/YES24 today. Your generosity can help shape a brighter future for these deserving students and our community as a whole.

Together, let's empower and uplift the next generation of leaders and change-makers.

Support Our Higher Education Fund Today