Progressions is a transformative, K-12, tuition-free, youth development program where low-income, at-risk students learn to focus their out-of-school time on making music in safe, positive environments.
Using music, the program helps participants develop pro-social values, a healthy personal identity, self-confidence, self-esteem, personal accountability, and mastery over something that has social value in the community. Progressions is inspired by El Sistema, a Venezuelan youth development program that is now being replicated around the world.
Progressions helps students understand the value of education, excelling in school, and developing a cadre of responsible peers who are setting goals to advance themselves beyond graduating from high school. It connects with young people in elementary school and stays with them until they graduate from high school.
For more information, download these PDF documents:
Julie Rinard, Progressions Teacher
Julie Rinard is a classical pianist who comes from a family with deep musical roots. She is bi-lingual and has extensive experience working with Spanish-speaking populations, having lived and worked in Central and South America. Julie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from UC Berkeley and a Masters of Arts degree from American University in Washington, DC. She is a graduate of Holy Names University’s Kodaly Institute and has been a member of UC Berkeley’s University Chorus, UC Berkeley’s Women’s Chorale, and La Pena Social Justice Community Chorus. Julie has worked as a volunteer with the Thousand Oaks Elementary School Spanish Immersion Program and spent five years with Seva Foundation, a global health organization working to build sustainable programs in underserved communities around the globe.
Seed Funding Partners
Leo M. Shortino Family Foundation
Cisco Foundation
SanDisk Foundation
Comerica Bank
