With support from the California Arts Council, White Hall Arts Academy Foundation will expand Saturday Sessions, JAMM-U, and Soundworks programs to provide free and low-cost arts education for youth ages 4–18 and workforce training for transitional-aged youth 18–24 in South LA. Grant funds will support instructors, materials, and outreach to ensure equitable access to music, dance, acting, and technical training for underserved and justice-impacted and foster youth.
Soundworks is a workforce development program that trains justice-affected and transitional aged foster youth in audio engineering, lighting design, and video production, then connects them to on-the-job training opportunities. We equip youth with skills and work experience that prepare them for careers in the creative economy.
Saturday Sessions provides inclusive arts education year-round serving youth ages 4–12 and teens ages 13 and older through group classes in drums, violin, guitar, piano, singing, dance, music production, and acting. Classes are offered in 4 and 8-week sessions throughout the year.
My First Job is our youth workforce development program serving youth ages 14–21. Participants gain first-time job experience as office assistants, teaching aides, media creators, and event staff while building workplace skills, confidence, and financial literacy. Youth also receive mentorship in resume writing, interview preparation, and professional behavior to support future employment success.
ARTS-MUSIC-POWER (AMP) is an onsite program designed for youth with limited access to arts education and instruments. AMP provides guitar, vocal, and music production instruction at schools and educational support centers throughout South Los Angeles, Watts, Inglewood, and Compton.
Music Creators Camp is a free immersive program for South LA youth ages 9–17 interested in music and creative careers. The 2-week-long experience provides mentorship, industry exposure, and hands-on learning opportunities, including visits to the Apple Store at The Grove and Universal Music Group Recording Studios.
Private Music Lesson Scholarships provide more than $20,000 annually in free music lessons for children in underserved communities and youth affected by foster care.
Rock The Block is our free community festival with more than 3,000 attendees for a day of music, empowerment, and connection in South LA. The event features live performances, wellness services, youth activities, and discussions focused on community wellbeing and economic empowerment in partnership with local agencies and community organizations.