Change The Tune

K-12 STEAM education

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Students spend 80% of their waking hours outside of school, and most students in low-income communities (who are disproportionately black and brown) rely on school hours for most of their development. Higher-income families spend more than five times as much on out-of-school activities (roughly $3,600 per year) than families in the lowest income bracket ($700 per year). Access is a barrier for 58% of low-income parents; as for every child in an afterschool program, three more are waiting to have access and participate. As a result, children in low-income families spend 6,000 fewer hours learning by the time they are in the 6th grade, the equivalent of a four-school-year gap. The out-of-school CTT programming opportunities promote student success, build confidence, and develop social-emotional skills. These essential life values promote a healthy and engaging life in one's individual life and allow for positive social and economic engagement in one's community.

The Lab is an after-school program that aims to enhance the student experience by offering experiential, trauma-informed, project-based multidisciplinary programming. The after-school activities cover a wide range of topics, including gardening, yoga, exercise, cooking, aquaponics, music, and various art projects. The after-school program will be delivered to 15 schools scattered across Los Angeles County to youth ranging from ages (9-18). The students who wish to participate will not need to pay. To provide this diverse range of programming, The Lab partners with community organizations and local artists who provide instruction to students and teachers. The program collaborates with various partners and organizations such as StemSoul, The Plant Plug, USC, AtlaSea, Holistically Dope, and Aim4TheHeart to ensure high-quality instruction across all educational topics.

Los Angeles will be different as The Lab programming is designed to create a lasting effect that impacts the students' lives in the short and long term. In 2023, CTT served 466 youth in afterschool and summer programming, and with this additional funding, we look to increase to serve even more youth. The youth's activities are designed to inspire and boost confidence. Youth who do not attend out-of-school activities are set at a considerable disadvantage, hurting themselves, their families, and the community. These youth are the future, and the out-of-school activities positively impact the individual, benefiting the community and creating a new generation of change-makers. It is through this work that we inspire students to find what they are passionate about, learn about new and exciting topics, and become well-rounded individuals. It is through this program we aim to provide BIPOC youth the opportunity to engage in the learning opportunities they deserve.

Change The Tune, a beacon of transformative power, is dedicated to supporting and measuring its impact through the enhancement and continuation of its rigorous monitoring, evaluation, and learning strategies. The collection of actionable data has been at the heart of our organization since its inception. The qualitative and quantitative data we have gathered since 2017 have been instrumental in decision-making, educating the community and partners, and ultimately, in changing the harmful narrative. We ensure the success of our after-school program, The Lab, by collecting and analyzing data effectively through qualitative and quantitative methods, including demographic data, testimonials, and surveys. Our after-school exit survey asks students to rate their enjoyment of the program, share their favorite and least favorite parts, and suggest future activities. Our commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the demographic data we collect from pre and post-surveys.