Rock to the Future Earns Prestigious Award from organization SixDegrees.org, Founded by Kevin Bacon

We are proud to announce that we’ve been awarded SixDegrees.org’s prestigious Root of the Community Award, recognizing our innovative, community-centered partnerships and our unwavering commitment to expanding access, connection, and opportunity for young people across Philadelphia.

Since 2022, we’ve collaborated with SixDegrees.org on numerous initiatives that empower Philadelphia youth through free, student-led music programs.

Golden Globe–winning actor, musician, and philanthropist Kevin Bacon, a Philadelphia native and founder of SixDegrees.org, has long championed community causes. The Root of the Community Award is presented annually to a network partner whose collaboration meaningfully addresses a unique community need while fostering a kinder, more connected world. Recipients are celebrated for their intentionality, resilience, and dedication to keeping community voices at the center of their work.

SixDegrees.org highlighted our ongoing impact across multiple initiatives, including transformative music programs inside juvenile justice facilities and holistic support for youth and families. Our team-wide dedication played a key role in earning this honor.

“Philadelphia’s young people deserve joy, possibility, and a system that listens to them,” said our founder and CEO, Jessica Craft. “Our partnership with SixDegrees.org helps us push back against inequity and bring opportunity where it’s needed most. This award is an honor and a reminder that we have more work to do, together.”

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Kevin Bacon shakes the hand of Rock to the Future student, Selena

Expanding Impact Through Collaboration and Community Support

Since our partnership began, our students have experienced amazing opportunities. In 2022, they collaborated on the hit single “Philly Thing” from The Bacon Brothers. We also provide weekly music programs for justice-involved youth at the Juvenile Justice Services Center. Building upon these programs in 2025, our partnership expanded with the opening of a dedicated music space. This space for learning, creating, and collaborating became the inaugural Ruth's Room, a new SixDegrees.org initiative honoring Kevin Bacon's mother, Ruth, who championed joyful opportunities for people in the justice system during her lifetime.

This recognition comes at a pivotal moment as we seek support for our free music programs for community youth through our year-end fundraising campaign. Contributions from the community ensure that more young people have access to life-changing music programs at no cost to families.

Be an instrument for change and support youth empowerment through music at RocktotheFuture.org/Change25.

Be An Instrument For Change!

For 15 years Rock to the Future used the power of music to empower Philadelphia youth to find their voice, follow their dreams, and build brighter futures. 

From free music programs and career support to justice advocacy and mentorship, our work is made possible because of people like you who believe that music can change lives.

And the results speak for themselves:

  • 100% of graduating seniors since 2010 have gone on to college or trade school.
  • 1,200+ students receive free music education every year.
  • 500+ justice-involved youth find joy and healing through music and advocacy annually.
  • Hundreds more gain paid skill development, career exploration, and vital resources to help them succeed.

"It was a great experience, honestly, like the best time of my life. If I had to rank my years in high school, the years I was involved with Rock to the Future were by far the best years. It's just an amazing program, and I always had fun every time I was there.

When I first joined Rock to the Future, I wasn't worried about actual me. I was dealing with a lot of stuff. With Rock to the Future’s help and resources as well I'm more vocal. I talk more and if I'm feeling something, I express it. I don't just complain or keep it silent. I talk way more and that’s helping me in college right now. Anything that involves me talking more, I’ve done it at Rock to the Future.”

-Recent Rock to the Future Graduate, Jaydin

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This year, your gift to Be an Instrument for Change not only helps Rock to the Future provide free music programs, mentoring, and resources for youth but also supports our families most affected by the recent government shutdown. We’ve committed $4,000 of funds raised to provide grocery support to families in our community. Each $50 donation provides one bag of groceries for a family in need.

Together, we can ensure every young person and their family feels supported, nourished, and cared for during this difficult time.

Why Now Matters

As we look ahead to the next 15 years, your support is more critical than ever. Every contribution helps us continue to break down barriers and ensure that all young people, regardless of zip code or circumstance, can access the transformative power of music and mentorship.

Your impact will go twice as far! Thanks to a $65,000 matching gift, every dollar you donate by December 31 will be doubled, amplifying your support for Philadelphia’s youth. Help us meet our goal to raise $225,000!

MAKE A DONATION TODAY & DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT
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Rooted in Music, Grounded in Justice: Our 2024 – 2025  Impact Report is Here

Each year, Rock to the Future’s Impact Report offers more than numbers. It’s a story of what’s possible when a community believes in the brilliance and potential of young people.

As we mark 15 years of Rock to the Future, our 2024- 2025 Impact Report, Rooted in Music, Grounded in Justice, reflects the deep roots we’ve built through music and mentorship and how those roots continue to grow stronger, reaching farther into communities that have faced inequities in access, opportunity, and support.

This year, more students than ever graduated from our programs, and 100% of seniors are pursuing college or trade school. Youth earned and received over $130,000 through paid opportunities and scholarships, while hundreds of justice-impacted teens found joy and belonging through our music programs at the Juvenile Justice Services Center. These are not just milestones; they are pathways that your support makes possible.
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Our Impact Report is a celebration of every donor, volunteer, and partner who helps us amplify youth voices and create a more just and joyful future. It’s a reflection of your belief that every young person deserves access to creative expression, educational opportunity, and the chance to thrive.

Thank you for helping us stay rooted in music and grounded in justice.

Read the full 2024 Impact Report →