Info@RocktotheFuture.org  |  215-302-9633  |  Mailing Address: 1201 North 3rd St. #283 Phila, PA 19122
Rock to the Future fosters thriving youth and communities through free, student-driven music programs for Philadelphia youth in under-resourced areas. We provide consistent, high-quality, trauma-informed music programs for 1,200+ youth annually in schools, community centers, and the juvenile justice system.
Through our programs, talented and eager children, teens, and young people build confidence, positive relationships, and community connection, which supports mental well-being, staying in school and pursuing professional pathways, and peaceful communities. Through the bridge of music, we also provide direct college and trade readiness support, mentoring, and connection to resources. Rock to the Future also works directly with youth in intervention, diversion, and those currently and formerly incarcerated. Learn more about our mission and model.
(opens in a new tab)The spotlight comes on, and the band strikes their first chord. A powerful voice takes the mic—one that a year ago may have been shaky but now bellows with confidence. Hundreds of people cheer in admiration. The student band walks to center stage to take their bow. They then embrace their bandmates with joy and pride. They did it. After months of overcoming anxieties, learning new skills, building community, and taking risks—they did it. The butterflies that once filled their stomachs are gone, replaced with hunger for more. This transformation is possible because of Rock to the Future.
Your generous support of Rock to the Future is instrumental in empowering the youth we serve, giving them the chance to thrive in ways that go far beyond music. Our students report improved mental health and emotional well-being, academic achievement and, most importantly, safety and acceptance. Through our programs, they build a solid foundation for success, which leads to graduation, pursuing college and trade school, and securing opportunities that will break the cycle of poverty.
Today, we are calling on our community of supporters to Be an Instrument for Change to help us raise vital funds needed to continue to provide our high-quality music education and economic empowerment programs at no cost for youth in under-resourced communities. With Your gift will support:
- 100% of seniors graduating college and pursuing college or trade school
- 1400+ youth provided access to quality music education and mentorship
- 500+ justice involved youth through music, healing and advocacy
- 100s of youth providing career and college prep, resource support, paid skill development, scholarships and more!
Plus, thanks to generous supporters, we have a $45,000 match opportunity, so your impact will be doubled when you donate by December 31, 2026!
Will you stand with us and help us continue providing life-changing opportunities for youth? Thank you for believing in the magic of music with us. With your help, we can make this our most impactful year yet!
Let's Keep In Touch!
Rock to the Future's new Strategic Plan: 2025 - 2030
Dear Friends,
We know that music has the power to change lives. It sparks joy, builds confidence, creates community, and amplifies voices that need to be heard. Over the past 15 years, we’ve watched thousands of young people step up to the mic, discover their talents, and dream boldly about their futures. Now we’re turning up the volume on our next moves as an organization.
This strategic plan is our roadmap for the next five years—a playlist of bold ideas and powerful commitments that will guide us as we deepen our impact, expand access, and keep building a future where every young person has the resources and relationships to thrive. Together with our students, families, team, Board, and partners, we created this vision to ensure that Rock to the Future remains a place where joy and justice meet and where every beat makes a difference. We’re excited to share it with you and even more excited to make it real with your partnership. Thank you for believing in our mission and for rocking out alongside us. The best is yet to come!
With gratitude and enthusiasm,
Jessica Craft, CEO
Jen Bieter, Board Chair
Created with Chaya Scott, Chief Aspiration Officer, Chaya Scott Consulting, LLC
What really made the difference was how this program changed my mindset. I used to let fear of failure stop me from pursuing what I loved. Rock to the Future helped me realize that I can choose my passion and still succeed. Now I’m attending CCP to study music education, and I know I’m on the right path.
- Rock to the Future StudentÂ
They have gifted me the ability to pick myself up when I fall off stages - literally and metaphorically - the strength to continue my education (becoming one of the first Rock to the Future's alumni to graduate from college), and the power to throw myself into the unknown with the confidence of understanding I’ll survive.        Â
- Rock to the Future Alumni
At Rock to the Future, I discovered how much more I liked playing music, I developed a love for service and gained a deeper appreciation for academics and then learned to appreciate all the work that goes into making good music and made lots of good friends. The instructors there, I love them all, have helped to mold my future dreams and personal development. I learned through the program, I have developed not just time management, communication and perseverance but also a mindset of tackling fear and overcoming challenges. I think that with this mindset plus the knowledge that I attained, I will be ready to succeed in college. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Rock to the Future Student
Rock to the Future has been one of Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Service Center biggest contributors in helping our organization get beck on track. Coming out of COVID at the end of 2021, we were in desperate need to get programming for our residents. With everything being isolated and residents not being allowed to move to programming, or do activities, we really were saved in someway by "THE ROCK," Lol. Rock to the Future were willing to do whatever needed to get the job done. All the residents, and staff love the program, and the connection that are students are making once they are released back to the community. We just want to thank Rock to the Future once again for a job well done!         - Program Partner