Every year, and just about every day, Girls Rock SB + Amplify fundraises tirelessly to try to secure at least $100,000 in scholarship funds for its only fee-based program, Amplify Sleep Away Camp. (All other current programs are free for youth to participate, including youth-run record label Syryn Records.) These all-important funds allow the non-profit to bring as many under-resourced youth as possible to its flagship summer camp program that’s changed thousands of youth’s lives since 2013. Since the pandemic began, reaching that $100,000 scholarship goal hadn’t been possible…until this summer, when it was finally reached for the first time since 2019 thanks to the generosity of heroic partners like Sonos.
“I just wanted to say thank you so much for allowing [my daughter] to join your camp this summer,” said the parent of one 2022 scholarship camper. “She has yet to stop talking about what an amazing time she had, she kept in touch with friends from all over the country! It was such a positive impact on her confidence, it’s been a real joy to see this stronger version of herself come out.”
Sonos and several other crucial supporters—including Hazen Family Foundation, Santa Barbara Foundation, Johnson Ohana Foundation, Tegan and Sara Foundation, Amazon Santa Barbara, and more—stepped up and contributed just over $100,000 total, allowing Girls Rock SB + Amplify to bring nearly 40 under-resourced girls and gender-expansive youth to Amplify Sleep Away Camp on scholarship. This life-changing camp dedicated to empowering and uplifting youth via music and the creative arts takes place every summer in Ojai, CA; in 2022, it lasted 8 weeks (4 unique 2-week sessions) and served over 200 youth total. Without like-minded partners like Sonos, Girls Rock SB + Amplify could not continue to help under-resourced youth be loud, strong, and resilient, especially in industries where women and gender-expansive people are grossly underrepresented—like music.
“Every child deserves access to quality music education, which provides a crucial creative outlet and has measurable outcomes in school performance,” said Deji Olukotun, Director of Global Affairs & Sustainability at Sonos. “We’re proud to partner with Girls Rock SB + Amplify to provide this unique immersive experience for the next generation of girls, who are underrepresented in music and sound production.”
Fundraising has already begun to ensure Girls Rock SB + Amplify meets its ambitious scholarship and subsidized program funding goals for 2023. If you’d like to learn more about how you can help empower the next generation of female and gender-expansive leaders, join the organization’s GIRLS TO THE FRONT gala in Santa Barbara on December 1: www.girlsrocksb.org/girls-to-the-front. You can also learn more anytime at www.girlsrocksb.org, and their team is always happy to chat: 805-699-5247 and info@girlsrocksb.org.
ABOUT GIRLS ROCK SB + AMPLIFY
Founded in 2012, Girls Rock SB + Amplify is a non-profit organization that’s empowered over 11,000 girls, women, and gender-expansive youth through music education, the creative arts, community, and positive mentorship. All programming and events promote an environment that fosters self-confidence, creativity, and teamwork, in effect building a more equitable world that celebrates creativity, embraces authenticity, and values all voices. Please direct all inquiries to Jess Sherwyn, Director of Marketing + Development, at jess@girlsrocksb.org.
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