“Empowering Children and Communities for a Brighter Tomorrow”
Somerset Academy Inc.
is dedicated to supporting the development of child-centered, individualized, and developmentally appropriate educational programs. Our mission extends to children of all ages, their families, and the wider community. We believe in fostering environments that ignite curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning, underpinned by our core values of inclusion, diversity, and respect.
“Empowering Youth Through Arts and Community”
Philly B.E.A.T.S. stands as a beacon of hope for youth in Philadelphia, especially those in the probation system or at risk of delinquency. Our mission is to utilize the transformative power of the arts to create a positive impact and end the cycle of gun violence.
Our Focus:
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Collaborative Networks: Partnering with service providers, nonprofits, and more to create a supportive ecosystem.
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Arts as a Catalyst: Utilizing various art forms like breakdance, singing, and visual arts to engage and inspire youth.
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Community Engagement: Extensive outreach to provide resources and raise awareness about gun violence prevention.
Together, we can create a safer, more vibrant community for our youth.
Our Approach: Breaking Cycles, Building Futures
The youth we serve aren’t statistics—they’re artists, thinkers, and leaders who’ve never been given the right platform. Philly B.E.A.T.S. meets young people exactly where they are, recognizing that a teenager with a probation officer still has dreams, talent, and untapped potential. We’ve seen firsthand how a cipher can replace a conflict, how a paintbrush can redirect anger into expression, and how a verse can articulate pain that’s been buried for years. Our programs don’t just teach skills—they rebuild self-worth. When a young person discovers they can create something beautiful, something powerful, something that makes their community take notice, everything shifts. We provide consistent mentorship from teaching artists who’ve walked similar paths, creating safe spaces where vulnerability isn’t weakness and creativity isn’t frivolous—it’s survival. Through structured programs in music production, dance, visual arts, and spoken word, we’re proving that the same energy that fuels street conflicts can fuel artistic excellence. This isn’t about saving kids. This is about empowering them to save themselves and their communities.
The Impact We're Making
Real change shows up in real lives. Over the past year, Philly B.E.A.T.S. has worked with more than 200 justice-involved youth, providing over 5,000 hours of programming that keeps young people engaged, off the streets, and connected to positive role models. Our participants have performed at city festivals, exhibited artwork in local galleries, and created music that’s streaming nationwide—accomplishments many never imagined possible. But the numbers only tell part of the story. We measure success in the young man who chose to write a song instead of retaliating after losing a friend to violence. In the young woman who discovered her voice through spoken word and now mentors younger participants. In the families who’ve reconnected through our community showcases. In the probation officers who’ve watched their clients transform before their eyes. Our alumni network continues to grow, with former participants returning as teaching artists and peer mentors, proving that healing is contagious. We’re not just reducing recidivism rates—we’re redefining what’s possible when a community refuses to give up on its youth. Every beat, every brushstroke, and every performance is evidence that another future is possible.
What clients say about us
Discover the transformative experiences and heartfelt testimonials of our clients, reflecting the profound impact Somerset Academy Inc has had on families, communities, and individuals.
