Alumni Network
Give a Beat's Alumni Network provides extended support for program graduates, keeping them creatively engaged, connected to community, and on a path toward creative careers and economic mobility.
Give a Beat's Alumni Network provides long-term mentorship and creative opportunities for graduates of Give a Beat's music programs, using music as a foundation for healing, connection, and economic mobility. Through monthly virtual gatherings, in-person events, workshops led by music industry professionals, and paid DJ gigs and facilitation opportunities, the Alumni Network offers Give a Beat program graduates an immediate, supportive community to build momentum and remain creatively engaged after release. Alumni also access paid performance opportunities, leadership development, and Teaching Artist pathways within Give a Beat. For people coming home from incarceration, community is one of the most critical factors in successful reentry.
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Developing Entrepreneurial & Life Skills
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Powering a Cycle of Change & Reducing Recidivism
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Building Creative Career Pathways
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“Give a Beat let me know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to as long as I’m focused and determined, whether I know how to do it or not.”
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“This program was really great. I felt this is exactly what people should be doing as far as wanting to give back in this way. It’s not just to give back but actually to build capacity in people and go on to become your best self.”
Alejandra
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"A lot of us felt intimidated by the idea of going into something new and foreign, especially being formerly incarcerated. But the fact that we were all in this together made it much easier and it made me more comfortable to take risks and push myself to doing what I’ve been delaying in my time here in this world."
Sean
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“Having a mentor in this program helped me through a lot. They actually let me know that the process is always within.”
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“On a New Track gave us an outlet, a way in which we could articulate ourselves through music, speech, emotional awareness and emotional intelligence.”
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“To people who are formerly incarcerated, you do have a second chance. There are plenty of opportunities, never give up on any dreams you have. Just because you've been dealt a bad hand, doesn't mean that you can't turn it around and try to make the best of it, or find ways to rise above the occasion.”
Juan
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“I learned how to trust myself and the process. I had to fail a few times to figure things out. I’m now embracing the power of self-trust and opening myself up to new possibilities.”
Patrick
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“I learned the invaluable lessons of patience, stepping outside my comfort zone, perseverance, to keep going, and becoming more sociable through my participation in the On a New Track program.”
Lakrisha
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"My biggest lesson with this program is learning the importance of setting goals and the value of sticking to them. I've been so busy with work, it's been challenging to fit in music. But when I set goals and plan my time, things are a lot better.”
Tarrance
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"On a New Track provided a support team. I have a family of artists here."
Lafonzo
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"The On a New Track program helped me rediscover my inner artist. I'm really finding out a lot about myself, like discovering what I really love. And being able to ask myself, ‘what don't I know?’ There's just so much to discover."
Robert
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“On a New Track enabled me to do what I've always wanted to do.”
Daniel
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“I never thought I would have an opportunity and be valued as a formerly incarcerated person. On a New Track shifted the perspective of how people viewed me and boosted my confidence. Now, I know that I can be offered opportunities despite my experiences. I know I am more valuable because I have overcome circumstances and have been given a second chance. The journey has been hard and painful, but Give a Beat reminded me that after a great fall, I can always land on my feet again.”
Alumni Stories
History
On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program
The Alumni Network grew out of Give a Beat's On a New Track Reentry Mentoring Program, launched in 2021 as our first initiative dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals during reentry. On a New Track paired participants with music industry mentors, offering one-on-one guidance, creative development, and pathways into the music industry. In 2024, Give a Beat formalized and expanded this work into the Alumni Network, deepening the model to offer continued support, peer community, and paid opportunities.
Give a Beat Records Campaign
Following the first On a New Track cohort, we launched Give a Beat Records, a music label created to amplify the voices of program participants and share their artistry with the world. In partnership with EMPIRE Distribution, the campaign culminated in the publication of three special releases featuring two of our alumni.
Support Our Alumni Artists
Our alumni are talented DJs and producers who use music as a creative outlet, a healing practice, or a side gig after incarceration. Here’s how you support their growth and access to opportunities:
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Book an Alum DJ for Your Event
Whether it’s a community gathering, house party, fundraiser, or cultural event, consider booking our alumni to DJ.
Note: All booking must be paid opportunities and aligned with Give a Beat’s values of respect, inclusion, and community empowerment.
This activity is supported in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency. Learn more at www.arts.ca.gov.