Rock to the Future

Goals for the MusiCore After School program include improvements in academic confidence, musical ability, social and emotional learning skills, and executive functioning skills for all participants at their own level of growth. MusiCore is intentionally designed to be a high-quality, high-touch program with numerous quantitative and qualitative results.

As students build social, emotional, and executive functioning skills and receive direct academic support, we expect to see improvements in academic confidence and performance. Students strive to maintain a B average or show overall academic improvement in school. We hope to have 90% of middle school students attend special admission high schools and 100% of graduates attend post-secondary education. We also have a goal of having 30% of students identified as being at-risk for being disconnected from school (per United Way guidelines) improve their grades by one or more levels. Since inception, we have gathered data to demonstrate growth in academic confidence for the students we serve. With parental permission, we track student grades and attendance. By tracking grades and attendance quarterly with students through their online grading systems or report cards, we are able to intervene with youth before they lose confidence in their abilities and fall behind in class. Low grades or attendance changes are indicators that the student may have social or school issues where we may need to provide additional support.

MusiCore has the goal of improving social and emotional learning skills, like self-confidence and setting goals, and executive functioning skills, like planning, self-control, and flexible thinking. MusiCore provides youth with numerous social benefits including developing self-confidence through live performance, building conflict resolution skills through teamwork and collaboration, real-world practice of time management and organization, and the feeling of pride from creating an incredible final musical product with hard work. Through band practice, youth learn social preparedness—working with other youth teaches our students the importance of listening, communicating with respect, and honoring others’ experiences and feelings. We expect to have 90% of participants report improvements in their self-esteem and social growth. Students also provide feedback on the type of programming and classes offered.

While the goal of our program is not to create professional musicians, our students build strong music foundations and advance through their musical studies. MusiCore students learn firsthand that setting goals and working hard can have amazing results. We aim for a 100% live performance participation rate and 100% individual performance participation rate for our showcases and recitals. Live performances provide opportunities for students to showcase their improvements and for instructors to assess areas of need.

We offer innovative programs that provide free, ongoing music education for over 300 Philadelphia youth annually through in-school, after school, and summer programming. Our programs target neighborhoods and schools that lack access to music programs.

Our programs are innovative and exciting for students as we focus on modern band instruments, peer collaboration, and live performance to develop important social emotional and executive functioning skills. We believe in taking a holistic approach to music education, and we focus on the entire individual, not just improvement of musical ability. This includes providing direct academic and social support, providing meals and transportation options, and reducing barriers of entry. There are no auditions or prior experience required, and we provide all instruments and supplies. Our programs are designed to allow for flexible learning and students have a voice in what they learn and create. Using music as a mechanism for youth development, we are creating leaders and productive citizens by improving social and emotional competencies which can reduce stress and aggression, improve helping behaviors, improve positive behaviors towards self and others, and increase academic confidence. Our unique programs engage and excited youth and provide a much needed creative outlet. Rock to the Future aims to provide consistent, engaging, and high quality music programs for Philadelphia youth who may not have access to affordable music education because we believe that all youth can benefit greatly from the lessons learned on stage.

Rock to the Future's nurturing and judgement free environment provides a support system for students. Our staff members receive training in trauma informed practices, classroom management, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and differentiated learning styles so they are prepared to be mentors in not only music but in life. We create an environment where students of all ability levels feel respected, safe, and confident enough to shine in the spotlight. No matter what instrument or music style they choose, we help students to succeed at every stage.

Rock to the Future hires talented youth development professionals and musicians for primary staffing positions and is supported administratively and programmatically by over 40 volunteers. The CEO and the CMO have been with the organization for 10 years and additional core staffing support includes a Communications Coordinator, over 10 teaching artists and academic tutors, and three program directors.

Rock to the Future's Board of Director's is active in governance and planning. The Board of Directors governs the organization, meets regularly, and abides by the set bylaws and charter. The Board of Directors is comprised of educators, corporate professionals, lawyers, accountants, business developers, and marketing professional which aid in supporting the vision of the organization. The Governance committee ensures the Board of Directors is properly overseeing Rock to the Future and maintain fiduciary responsibilities. The Board also supports the strategic planning process by attending and participating in workshops, surveys, and working groups to support the development of the plan. Rock to the Future believes in planning and operates off of a strategic plan. Strategic plans are generally created for 3 years, are reviewed regularly, and revised annually. When needed, bridge goals are identified during planning processes.

Our power is in our partnerships and vibrant music community. We collaborate with other Philadelphia music and arts groups such as Musicopia, the Philly POPS, Weathervane Music Organization, Big Picture Alliance, and Play On Philly, through student performances or program collaboration. We work and parter with professional recording studios and performance venues in Philadelphia. We have a strong and growing partnership with the School District of Philadelphia (SDP) at an administrative and local level. National partnerships with Hungry for Music Foundation, Fender Music Foundation, and D'Addario Foundation have yielded countless instrument donations to support our programming.

Since inception, 100% of our graduating MusiCore seniors have pursued post-secondary institutions. Each year, over 3500 community members enjoy dozens of free performances. Over 95% of participants perform in live showcase annually.

RTTF has received significant press coverage, awards, and recognition. The organization was featured in The New York Times in 2013 and has continued to receive press, numerous awards, and recognition for our program innovation and impact. Our Executive Director Jessica Craft was honored by the Tau Beta Sigma national sorority and was named the Featured Woman in Music, along with being featured at the PA Conference for Women as a Local Leader.

RTTF has also partnered with iHeartMedia as their Nonprofit of the Week and has been featured on KYW Radio, WXPN, Radio 104.5, Mix 106.1, and other local radio stations. The organization has also been featured locally on Good Day Philadelphia, ABC, NBC, and CBS news. In addition, dozens of local print and digital media cover RTTF events and program successes each year.

RTTF has received significant press coverage, awards, and recognition. The organization has been featured in The New York Times, Suburban Life Magazine, 34th Street Magazine, JUMP Philly, on iHeartRadio (104.5, 106.1, 102.1, 98.9), WXPN (88.5), Good Day Philadelphia, and has continued to receive press, numerous awards, and recognition for our program innovation and impact.

Our program and staff have received awards from Philadelphia Social Innovation Journal (Innovative After School Program), Billy Penn (Who’s Next, Public Service), the Arts and Business Council (board member of the year, business professional volunteer of the year, and designing leadership alumni), KYW, and our students have received many awards including the Mayor’s Scholarship award and the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival scholarship. CEO Jessica Craft received the Designing Leadership award in 2019.

Our Student House Band has performed at such events as the 2017 NFL Draft (RTTF is an Eagles Care Partner alumni), The 2015 Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Paradigm Awards, the 2017 and 2016 Arts and Business Council Awards, and annual showcases at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Hungry for Music. Students have worked with the Dead Milkmen, Livingston Taylor, Rogers Stevens (Blind Melon), Chill Moody, and Nicky Palermo (NOTHING).