Boston MA, November 20, 2017 — The Music & Youth Initiative is pleased to announce that in 2017, it contributed $430,000 in grants, equipment, and support services to 12 Youth Development Organizations in Massachusetts, Texas, and Georgia in support of their after-school music programs.

With the funding and support from Music & Youth, these Youth Development Organizations are able to establish Music Clubhouses where underserved youth, ages 10-18, can participate in contemporary music lessons, learn how to use music recording technology, and have performance opportunities. This unique, hands-on approach to music immersion keeps youth participants off the streets, helps them improve their academic and social skills, and builds self-confidence and self-esteem.

“Our partner organizations are doing amazing work with youth every day,“ says Gary Eichhorn, CEO of the Music & Youth Initiative. “By offering music programming and mentorship, they’re giving them access to truly life-changing skills and experiences.”

Collectively, the Clubhouses have over 1,000 youth enrolled in contemporary music lessons in 2017.

The Massachusetts organizations receiving grants in 2017 are:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester
• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell
• Hyde Square Task Force
• Malden YMCA
• Merrimack Valley YMCA
• Sociedad Latina
• Waltham Boys & Girls Club
• West End House Boys & Girls Club
• YMCA of Metro North

Also receiving grants in 2017 are:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Fort Worth (TX)
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (GA)

About Music & Youth Initiative: (www.musicandyouth.org)

Music & Youth establishes sustainable, high quality after-school contemporary music programs for underserved youth ages 10-18, through collaboration with leading Youth Development Organizations, Universities, and Corporate Partners. These programs are free (or for a minimal cost) to the participating youth. Founded in 2004, Music & Youth Initiative is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.