Give a Beat 2024 Impact Report
2024:
United Through Music,
Empowered for Justice
Give a Beat uses the power of music as a pathway to healing and opportunity for those impacted by the criminal justice system.
We envision a world where those most affected adversely by incarceration are not only shown compassion and dignity, but are empowered to forge talents and creative careers.
Give a Beat addresses the continuum of incarceration by using music as a catalyst for change. Through our programs and activations that engage with the music industry, we help widen pathways for people to thrive, reduce recidivism, encourage empathy, and unite to contribute to the larger transformation of the criminal justice system.
Youth Music Production & DJ Program
In partnership with the Arts for Healing & Justice Network, Give a Beat delivers our music education to young people from underserved communities and high-stressed environments.
2024 Impact
509
Participants Enrolled
362
Total Hours of Instruction
213
Total Workshops
Participant Outcomes
The following outcomes reflect key themes and insights gathered from participant experiences in 2024. These qualitative findings highlight the impact of our program as shared through the voices and journeys of our youth.
Redirecting Lives
Empowerment through Music: Participants reflected on how the program empowered them to take control of their musical interests and envision future careers in music.
Participant Engagement: Numerous participants transitioned from observers to active DJs in the class. Several youth expressed intentions to pursue DJing and music production post-program.
Community and Connection: The program fosters a sense of community, reconnecting old friends and building new supportive relationships. Social networks are a key pillar in reducing recidivism.
Building Self-Esteem
Overcoming Challenges: Participants overcame initial hesitations, building confidence and technical skills in DJing and music production.
Skill Development: Participants quickly grasped the basics of DJing, demonstrating the ability to mix and transition tracks effectively within short timeframes. Many students mentioned that the process was easier than they initially expected.
Positive Feedback: Positive feedback from youth, Teaching Artists, and community officers bolstered participants’ confidence and motivation.
Creative Self-Expression
Cultural Diversity: The integration of diverse cultural elements into music projects allowed youth to express their unique identities.
Telling Stories Through Music: Students embraced creative ownership and individuality in their music. For example, Diego's "Vibe 2.0" and Jade's "A Sunny Wednesday” showcased their unique perspectives and experiences.
Collaboration: Collaborative music sessions and reunions strengthened community bonds, fostering a shared sense of purpose and creativity.
Photos by Emily Rifkin & Give a Beat Community
Program Updates
Fresh Tracks
The Fresh Tracks Program completed its third cycle, continuing as a youth reentry initiative in partnership with Jail Guitar Doors, Street Poets, and Give a Beat. Participants explored various creative disciplines, including beatmaking, music production, filmmaking, and creative writing. As a highlight of their work, they created a collaborative music video titled "Resilience," which showcases their combined talents (currently undergoing edits and not for public release). The program also partnered with INFAMOUS PR to host an engaging industry panel featuring music industry professionals.
Give a Beat expanded its reach by starting new programming at Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall and Lennox Park while continuing to offer impactful sessions at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, Kirby Juvenile Camp, and Rose City Alternative High School.
Programming Sites
DYD Youth Summit
At the 2024 Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development (DYD) Summit, Give a Beat was invited to participate in an inspiring event centered on healing and self-expression for youth impacted by systemic challenges. With 500 attendees—including over 300 youth participants—the Summit featured eight interactive workshops, including Give a Beat’s "Stitching Youth Empowerment" session. This workshop focused on uplifting youth by connecting them with resources and opportunities to build skills, empower voices, and foster overall development. Our DJing and Beat Making Workshop allowed youth to explore their creativity and connect through music, guided by our talented Teaching Artists and alumni: Koeppell, Shaine, Malachi, Billy, Todd, and Angela. Additionally, Give a Beat Records artists geriFree and Pelligroso energized the stage with dynamic DJ sets.
Angela reflected on the event, saying, "The summit was an incredible day for the community and for Give a Beat. Watching Geri and Koeppell DJ and our staff engage participants through music was truly inspiring."
Stories from Our Blog
In Their Own Words
Prison Electronic Music Program
In collaboration with Arts in Corrections, a program under the California Arts Council, the Prison Electronic Music Program is a 6 week curriculum providing a transformative music experience of self-expression, healing, education and transferable life skills. We teach at the California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC), California Correctional Institution (CCI), and California Rehabilitation Center (CRC).
2024 Impact
149
Participants Enrolled
31
Cohort Cycles
504
Total Hours of Instruction
126
Classes
Participant Outcomes
The following outcomes are based on participant feedback from pre- and post-evaluation forms completed during Sessions 1 to 5 in 2024. These insights highlight the impact of the Prison Electronic Music Program through the experiences and reflections of those involved.
Positive Social Groups
The program engaged 149 incarcerated men, ranging in age from 23 to 57 years old.
It reinforced PEMP’s role in empowering individuals, promoting skill development, and supporting personal transformation.
Digital & Technical Literacy
The program achieved a 77% program completion rate, showcasing participants’ dedication.
Participants demonstrated a 139% increase in DJing skills, highlighting technical skill development.
Music as a mood-shifter, peace builder, tool for conflict resolution
The program received 100% positive feedback, with participants expressing satisfaction and enthusiasm.
The curriculum provided hands-on learning opportunities, fostering confidence and creative expression.
It encouraged a deeper connection to music as a tool for self-expression and a potential vocational path.
Photos by Sergio Miranda