Youth on Record

Background Statement

Youth on Record (YOR) is a Denver-based creative community that empowers young people to achieve their artistic, personal, and academic best by employing Colorado musicians and artists as their coaches and mentors. YOR intentionally reaches youth historically marginalized within the creative industries, including BIPOC youth, LGBTQ+ youth, youth with disabilities, and young women.

YOR’s programs operate as one connected pathway across three portfolios: Creative Pathways, Young Creative Ecosystem, and Rising Creatives. Creative Pathways serves as the front door to Youth on Record, introducing Denver Public Schools students to creative lives and creative careers that are real, accessible, and within reach. The Young Creative Ecosystem provides a creative home where young people build belonging, creative identity, and community. Rising Creatives is YOR’s workforce development initiative, where young creatives access paid opportunities, build portfolios, gain real-world experience, and take meaningful steps toward long-term economic mobility across music, media, sports, and entertainment.

Across all portfolios, Youth on Record integrates mental health and wellness offerings, while fostering belonging, creative identity, and community, ensuring young people have the stability and support needed to succeed creatively and professionally.