Funds will support our Soundworks workforce development program that trains justice-affected and transitional aged foster youth in live sound engineering and lighting, then provides internship opportunities within the entertainment industry. Soundworks aims to equip young individuals with valuable technical skills and work experience in the entertainment industry preparing them to participate in the creative economy. We strive to bridge the gap between mental health, social emotional learning, arts development, and creative expression by creating educational arts programming to youth and young adults with the end goal of producing quality live and digital productions.
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.