"I will always remember the relationships we made here. I can't think of a single moment we shared that was not fun or joyful."

—Angie M., student, Urban Assembly

In January 2024, a dream came to life when Guitars Over Guns opened our first programs in New York City. Working with two incredible school community leaders, Principal Natasha Spann of P.S. 197 John B. Russwurm and Assistant Principal Darryll Barksdale of Urban Assembly Academy for Future Leaders, we brought in-school and after-school music-based mentorship to 23 incredible students in our pilot semester.

In the 2024-25 school year, we are poised to make a greater impact than ever before. We have an unbelievable mentor team in place, excellent partners in the community, and classrooms full of students eager for opportunity and ready to embark on their musical adventure.

BY THE NUMBERS:

• 5 artistic disciplines offered: Guitar, Music Production, Rap, Songwriting, Vocals
• 4 professional musician mentors trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid and trauma-informed best practices
• 100% of students felt encouraged by their Guitars Over Guns mentors to work through difficult problems
• 100% of students identified Guitars Over Guns as a safe and supportive environment for themselves and their peers

This year, your support will enable us to hire a specialized Wellness Mentor to support students' creative and holistic growth, bring students on an unforgettable field trip to professionally film and record their own music video, and continue to expand our reach and partnerships in the Harlem community.

Thank you for believing in the boundless potential of young people and the transformative power of mentorship and the arts!