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Underserved and Gifted

Our digital arts programs are dedicated to providing a professional environment while promoting healthy expression and creativity through digital media making.

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Underserved and Gifted

Underserved and Gifted

Underserved and Gifted

Underserved and Gifted

Underserved and Gifted

Our digital arts programs are dedicated to providing a professional environment while promoting healthy expression and creativity through digital media making.

Our digital arts programs are dedicated to providing a professional environment while promoting healthy expression and creativity through digital media making.

Our digital arts programs are dedicated to providing a professional environment while promoting healthy expression and creativity through digital media making.

Our digital arts programs are dedicated to providing a professional environment while promoting healthy expression and creativity through digital media making.

Philip Solis
Philip Solis
Philip Solis
Philip Solis
1 Campaign |
San Jose, United States
$5,030 USD 39 backers
14% of $35,000 Flexible Goal Flexible Goal
Choose your Perk

Handwritten Thank You

$10 USD
1 out of 75 of claimed

Handwritten+Website Thank You

$20 USD
1 out of 100 of claimed

Studio Poster+Thank You

$25 USD
2 out of 50 of claimed

Artists' - CD +Thank You

$50 USD
4 out of 50 of claimed

Studio T-shirt +Thank You

$75 USD
3 out of 50 of claimed

Name on Donor Plaque +CD

$150 USD
4 out of 100 of claimed

Music Studio Session

$250 USD
2 out of 20 of claimed

Photo Shoot

$350 USD
2 out of 25 of claimed

Dinner and Performance Party

$500 USD
1 out of 75 of claimed

Short Summary

The “Underserved and Gifted” movement was created to maintain and advance the San Jose based Youth Digital Arts programs located at 3 locations: the Seven Trees and Alma community centers, and the city’s Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS).

Established in 2011, at the Seven Trees community center, the programs provide youth access to professional audio recording, production equipment and software, and the guidance from experienced staff and industry professionals to fully utilize such resources. 

These programs act as a space for youth to incubate their talents and skills, allowing them advantages usually only afforded to financially burgeoning communities. And the program has worked, with students receiving national and international recognition, receiving praise from the industry, and fostering an interest in further education. 

Much in part to the programs' success, these opportunities have been expanded to Roosevelt Community Center (Digital Arts Troupe Academy - D.A.T.A.) and the Alma Community Center (Alma Music Studio). 

This is not only important for the growth of San Jose, but pivotal to the development of the youths’ talent and community contributions. 

"Providing San Jose youth an outlet to freely express themselves through digital arts is an opportunity we are proud to support," said Julie Edmonds-Mares, Director of the Department of PRNS.  "The fundraiser connects the thriving and growing talents of young adults with stakeholders and supporters who can help ensure that these opportunities remain available." 

What We Need 

In 2010, these programs became threatened, as San Jose's youth programs took a 50% cut in operational hours, leading us to our plea for support.  

We have, finally, attained the state of the art equipment for our community centers, but we still do not have the financial means to hire the professionals required to maintain and evolve these programs. 

In order for the facilities to be harnessed to their maximum potential, we need experienced specialists that possess the charisma and capacity to educate and inspire youth. 

After an arduous process of combing the community for experienced talent, we have found these media mentors, but this is only half the battle. The program coupled with these experts necessitate operational hours to properly run the studios, foster the youth, and expand the reach of the program. 

The Impact 

It's simple: more operational hours equals more students working under the guidance of media mentors to complete projects that inspire them to pursue post-secondary education or professional careers in digital media making.

In the last three years, our media mentors have mentored over 600 youth in the wider San Jose area.

Other Ways You Can Help

Donations no matter big or small helps us towards our goal! If you are unable to contribute, a simple like, comment, or sharing our video would be deeply appreciated. Also, if you would like to invite our media mentors or students to perform at your next event or as guest speakers at your organization--we would love to share the message and movement in person!

Presented by Youth Connections of San Jose and hosted by PRNS Roosevelt Community Center and Seven Trees Community Center, the benefit will provide much needed support to the nationally recognized digital art programs and, of course, San Jose teens and young adults. Ultimately, this is about the youth. 

Please support our cause by sharing the "Underserved and Gifted" movement with family and friends. Thank you for your contribution. 


This campaign is raising funds on behalf of Alum Rock Youth Center Advisory Committee, a verified nonprofit. The campaign does not necessarily reflect the views of the nonprofit or have any formal association with it. All contributions are considered unrestricted gifts and can't be specified for any particular purpose.


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