Beyond The Bars

Beyond the Bars is a 501c3 music and career planning program that is dedicated to interrupting the cycles of violence and incarceration in Philadelphia. We work with youth ranging from middle to high school who have been impacted by violence to help them realize the talented musicians and leaders that they are. Our program uses music as means of helping our youth express themselves in positive ways, build up their self efficacy and engage in self exploration in regards to future careers. Whether they are forming bands and performing shows throughout the city, or recording and producing their original beats Beyond the Bars works to provide a range opportunities for students to express their emotions in a positive way. What began as a program that taught once a week in jail has since expanded to be running 6 programs throughout Philadelphia and serving youth in our communities who have been affected by a variety of forms of violence in our city (see program description for more).