Empowering Youth Through Creative Expression: Celebrating Fresh Tracks Program Graduation

The stage is set for Fresh Tracks participants as they get ready to dive into their first song production workshop.

Young people face numerous challenges, and one of the most concerning is the high risk of foster youth entering the juvenile justice system after experiencing five or more placements. To tackle this issue, it is crucial to create platforms that promote creative expression and self-discovery. The Fresh Tracks youth program has been proven to be a transformative initiative for underserved youth, providing diverse opportunities in art and music with a mission to keep youth out of the criminal justice system. By participating in this program, young individuals not only discover their true selves but also build valuable connections and camaraderie with like-minded peers.

Our Fresh Tracks collaborative curriculum has offered a diverse range of skills for youth to learn, such as beatmaking, music production, film and creative writing. It was created for youth to explore various creative outlets and identify their passions. Meeting youth where they were was essential. The program provided a collaborative space for youth to work together. The writing station focused on poetry and the personification of their experiences. The recording studio was for songwriting and production. The computer lab was for multimedia and video production. The beat making workshop was for music production. The program also hosted “Industry Panel Days.” Fresh Tracks also invited various professionals in the music industry to host panels and speak about their related industry. This broadened awareness of various careers, industry knowledge, and networking opportunities.

Empowering Youth to Pursue Their Dreams in Creative Careers

Aniyah, a program participant, learns the art of beat-making from Teaching Artist Chaz in the Fresh Tracks workshop.

We are extremely proud of all our program participants who have successfully graduated. Our talented students have not only discovered their true selves but have also formed strong bonds through beatmaking and creative writing. The Fresh Tracks youth program has consistently served as a source of inspiration and empowerment for its participants.

The program always begins with an opening circle where participants state their intentions. Some common themes for these intentions include perseverance, productivity, discipline, rest, financial success, abundance, overcoming obstacles, vision, self-awareness, gratitude, time management, achievement, art, love, divine alignment, radical transformation, peace, and growth.

One impactful story from the program is about Aniyah, a young girl who found inspiration from her mother, a talented musician. Despite never having the opportunity to explore her own musical abilities, Aniyah was able to do so through the Fresh Tracks program. She gained access to the beat making station, recording studio, and learned about song production. With the guidance of industry professionals, she honed her skills and developed confidence in her abilities.

Aniyah’s experience is just one example of how Fresh Tracks provides a platform for youth to discover their talents and pursue their dreams while honoring their sources of inspiration.

Aniyah, a participant in the program, shared, “I loved this program. I felt a connection with myself and surrounded by genuine people, despite our different backgrounds.”

Since she was a child, Aniyah has aspired to become an international pop star, inspired by her mother. Now, she dreams of creating a hit song about love and feels more confident in pursuing this goal after joining Fresh Tracks. This youth program offers a safe space for young people to explore their creativity, share their stories, and connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

Empowering Youth to Find Their Voice in Creative Expression

Program participant Nina Face records his debut rap song in a professional recording studio as part of the Fresh Tracks program

“This program is giving me a chance I never thought I could have. I feel like people really believe in me.”

- Nina Face

Through the Fresh Tracks youth program, our workshops aimed to help young people identify their talents, build self-esteem, and reinforce resilience against racial and economic injustice. By providing these creative outlets, the program encouraged participants to express themselves authentically and find their unique voices. The transformational power of music allowed these youth to channel their emotions, overcome obstacles, and gain confidence in their abilities. 

Another program participant, Nina Face, felt incredibly inspired by the numerous opportunities that Fresh Tracks had to offer. Nina Face, an aspiring 14-year-old rapper, has been honing his skills since the tender age of 13. With each verse and rap bar, he pours his heart and soul into his music, using it as a powerful emotional outlet to express everything that he has experienced in life. His words resonate with authenticity and his talent shines through every rhyme. 

“The program is helping me to express my feelings…I never thought I was going to do anything, but now I’m doing it. If I can believe it, I can achieve it.”

- Nina Face

After participating in the enlightening and transformative experience at Fresh Tracks, Nina Face has been deeply influenced and inspired to pursue his ultimate aspiration: harnessing his extraordinary talent to foster a sense of togetherness within his community. With a burning passion for music, Nina aims to utilize this universal language to bridge gaps, dissolve barriers, and cultivate an environment of harmony, empathy, and communal development. By orchestrating captivating melodies and harmonies, Nina is determined to create an atmosphere where individuals from all walks of life can come together, celebrate their differences, and embark on a collective journey of growth and understanding.

Empowering Vulnerable Youth by Creating Community

Program participant Nina Face engages in a lively discussion with fellow participants in the Fresh Tracks program, sharing insights into his writing process for his debut rap song.

Throughout the 12-week music and film production youth program, it was an incredible journey, and we were excited to showcase the culmination of their efforts. The program not only empowered youth but also created a community of young artists who inspired one another and made a difference together. 

At least 20,000 children age out of the foster care system every year. There is an urgent need for youth programs like Fresh Tracks that provide support, opportunities, and a sense of belonging to vulnerable youth. The Fresh Tracks youth program is not only about personal growth but also about making a positive impact on society. It seeks to uplift voices and address the challenges faced by underserved youth. 

After aging out of foster care, one in four California foster youth experience homelessness. The Fresh Tracks youth program stands as a beacon of hope for underserved and system-impacted youth, offering them opportunities for creative expression, personal growth, and connection. By focusing on various creative skills from songwriting to beat making, this initiative not only helps participants discover their true selves but also empowers them to navigate the challenges they face through the healing power of music. 

Lastly, by addressing the staggering statistics surrounding foster youth, the program aims to raise awareness and encourage collective action in community building to make a difference in the lives of these young individuals.

Making a Difference Together with Fresh Tracks

Participants of Fresh Tracks gather in a closing circle to reflect on lessons learned and discuss takeaways from their workshops.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible partners, Arts for Healing & Justice Members, Jail Guitar Doors, and Street Poets. Their unwavering support and dedication to this collaborative youth program at CAPO Center have been instrumental in empowering underserved youth through the transformative power of art and music. Together, we have created a youth platform for beat making, music production, film, and creative writing, providing these young individuals with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. We extend our deepest appreciation to our partners for their invaluable contributions in helping make a positive impact on the lives of these youth.