THE DAVID S HARP FOUNDATION INC

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Grantee Database

Grant Year

2024-25

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$20,276.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, the David’s Harp Foundation will expand its impactful Digital Arts program to ensure equitable access and empower a new generation of leaders. We will hire a talented alum from our Biz Pod program as an Artist Mentor (teaching artist) to guide elementary and high school-aged youth at risk of justice system involvement. This grant will cover their training and salary, allowing them to mentor and inspire at-risk youth through digital music and multimedia production. In line with our organization’s goal to transition executive directorship to a program graduate by 2031, this initiative fosters leadership from within the community, creating a powerful ripple effect of transformation and empowerment through creative expression and professional development.

Organization Summary

The David’s Harp Foundation (TDHF) is a Creative Youth Development organization dedicated to transforming the lives of youth affected by homelessness, incarceration, and the foster care system. We offer comprehensive programs in digital music (Hip-Hop) and multimedia production, creating safe, culturally relevant spaces where young people can develop meaningful relationships with our Artist Mentors while learning industry-standard media production techniques.

Our core programs and services include:

The Student Studio: This program offers six-week project-based learning cycles in music production, tech literacy, and academic support. Youth build long-term mentoring relationships with Artist Mentors, creating a nurturing space for personal and academic growth. Graduates can join the Biz Pod Program, gaining insights into the business side of the music industry.

Beats Behind the Wall: This initiative brings our recording studio programming to incarceration facilities. Through a six-week modular curriculum, youth learn music production and receive mentorship from Artist Mentors. Post-release, they can pursue audio engineering internships and job opportunities, guided by our Artist Mentors.

Biz Pod Program: A creative content business incubator for youth aged 18-24, this program offers entrepreneurial training and practical experience in video content creation for high-profile clients. Participants earn a livable wage, gain academic credits through UCSD Extension, and receive mentorship, fostering resilience and leadership. The program has successfully launched five youth-led businesses.

Studio Nights: In partnership with San Diego Youth Services, this program offers nightly creative engagement youth who are unhoused where they can explore music and poetry. Youth transitioning from the shelter can join other TDHF programs, ensuring continuity of support.

Transformation House (The LaunchPad): An innovative housing solution for transitional-aged youth in the Biz Pod Program, this initiative provides affordable housing with financial empowerment. Youth contribute $500/month rent, saved in escrow and returned after 12 months as $6,000 for moving expenses.

Grantee Database