A Boston nonprofit that aims to make the music industry accessible to underrepresented and economically disadvantaged youth was one of seven nonprofits to get $50,000 from Citizens Bank's Champions in Action grants.
Boston Music Project serves 2,100 students across the city. It has a staff of 56 teaching artists and provides private lessons and programs like its signature paper orchestra program, digital music tech classes and student composition workshops.
Each of the seven nonprofits from Citizens' seven major markets receives $50,000 of unrestricted funding and promotional as well as volunteer support from Citizens to prepare youth and workers for "in-demand digital and technology jobs."
Champions in Action supports nonprofits with funding under $5 million that provide programming and services focused on a rotating topic aligning with one of Citizens' sustainability and impact focus areas. This round, the topic was digital upskilling.
"We chose Boston Music Project for their efforts to promote workforce development opportunities and provide upskilling programs to meet emerging technology needs in the music industry," said Lisa Murray, the president of Massachusetts Citizen Bank.
With the money from Citizens, BMP will to expand its Workforce Apprenticeship Program, which provides high school and early college students, ages 14 to 24, with the opportunity to deepen their immersion in all aspects of the music industry.
BMP was selected for the award in part because of its dedication to digital upskilling and preparing its students for the digital workforce. Through the program, students collaborate on an album, produce the inaugural Boston Youth Fest, and connect with industry professionals.
"One of the keys that Citizens is helping to unlock is that digital piece," said Chris Schroeder, executive director for the Boston Music Project. "Gaining that technical skill in recording sound and managing live sound for a stage, that's a real pathway for employment opportunity in the future."
The additional funds will allow BMP to plan its inaugural Youth Fest in Downtown Crossing. The festival takes place on Aug. 14 and will engage over 7,000 youth employees for Boston's Success Link program, inviting 200 companies participating in Boston's workforce training program.
BMP will have 25 people, between staff and students, participate in this program. Additionally, BMP is forging partnerships with Brighter Boston and the Record Company to provide on-stage performers, back-of-house sound and tech, and rehearsal space.
"This is really helping Boston Music Project redefine what music education looks like for the 21st century. And I think that's really critical," Schroeder said.
