Beats, Bars & Beyond:
Music making, production & career development workshops with at-promise, incarcerated youth.
Our Mission
We see access to music as a basic human right akin to clean drinking water, health care and public education.
Young people have dreams and want to thrive. they are healthy when they belong, strive when inspired and contribute when valued. They flourish when adults listen to their stories and prioritize their well-being.
Not every young person receives the support and affirmation they need. Too many in every sized community are impacted by inequities that stifle their talents and undermine their agency. These young people, the majority of whom are people of color, simply need stable safe havens where they can strengthen their voices and develop the artistry to change the systems that affect them most.
This is the work of Beats, Bars & Beyond. We synthesize
positive youth development and artistic mentorship in settings that center
racial equity, youth voices and collective action.
Meet Noble & JaiQuann:
A strength-based story of father & son connected through music and incarceration.
Program Components
Music Making
Songwriting, Beat-Making, Creative Communication Through Lyrics
Creativity
Arrangement, Stylistic Agency, Theme Development
Collaboration
Teamwork, Communication, Something Bigger Than Yourself
Music Production
Non-Performer Roles, Analytic Thinking, Career Options
Technology
Cutting Edge Tools, Creative Expression, Decision Making
Leadership
Modeling Positive Behavior, Negotiation, Active Listening
Career Workshops
Goal Based Curriculum, Improved Outcomes, Community Impact
Opportunity
Networking, Mentorship, Envisioning The Future
Re-direction
Behavior Modification, Refocusing Energies, Increasing World View
Program Values
COMMUNITY BUILDING
We believe investing in youth is most impactful through a collaborative, equitable community.
That includes culturally relevant instructors with lived experience who often become mentors, partners who provide vision and financial support, facilities that offer safe spaces with staff members who care deeply about those in their care.
And business partners to provide internships, networking opportunities and an external support system upon re-entry.
our approach
Our goal has never been to churn out hip-hop icons or musical virtuosos. Music-making shouldn’t be an individual competition but a team sport that fosters life skills extending far beyond music.
Resilience, self-confidence, vulnerability, discipline and teamwork are just a few of the characteristics learned through participation in music. These serve youth throughout their lives, whether they continue their musical journey or choose another path.
strength based VOICES
Rawkstars respects our students’ independence, their ability to influence their own choices and wellbeing by providing ‘no strings-attached’ opportunities and modern, professional tools.
We're not teaching them, but uncovering greatness that's already present.
We view youth and their families as resourceful and resilient in the face of adversity.
Equity
The best programs are informed directly by those they serve. Rawkstars doesn’t impose a pre-determined path or forced participation.
We meet students wherever they already are. We employ experiential and culturally relevant role models and outline career examples youth can use to envision their own future.
Leadership Team
We make magic happen every day
Your goals are our goals. We start with our proven curriculum, then custom tailor a program based on your goals, facility, population and budget.
Emmanual Williams | Noble
Transform Prison Project, Senior Director
Jonathan Jacobs
| J.J.
Rawkstars, Inc., Founder / CEO
Harrison Grigsby | Jon Hope
Hope Scholarship Initiative
An Artist Called Flizz | Travis Wiggins
Lead Program Instructor
Joi Beatz
Program Instructor
Leo The Kind | Joshua Jackson
Lead Program Instructor
Jazzmyn Red
U.S. Ambassador of Hip Hop / Artist / Speaker / Educator
Dave Malekpour
CEO, Pro Audio Design, Inc. / Augspurger
