Rock to the Future (RTTF) is a free 501(c)(3) youth development program located in North Philadelphia that offers free afterschool tutoring and music education to lower-income Philadelphia students ages 9–14. Once enrolled students may remain in the program until they turn 18. RTTF opened in September 2010 with a $15,000 donation by The Turning Point Prize from Women for Social Innovation. Following a successful first year with 13 program graduates, RTTF expanded its capacity to 22 students, who are now enrolled in the current 2011-2012 school year. RTTF's mission is to improve the current and future lives of the community youth by providing them with individualized and cooperative music lessons as well as academic assistance in a safe, positive environment where students find creativity, express themselves constructively, and collaborate across gender, race, and age. Founding Director Jessica McKay holds a BA in Economics and Business Administration from Temple University. She worked for a major financial services firm, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, before leaving the corporate world to pursue her passion for music and education.
