Empowering Students Through Music: Accent Pontiac’s Vision for Social Change
This Impact100 Oakland County grantee update comes from Accent Pontiac, who used its funds in 2023-24 to support the launch of its Social Change Through Music Project with Pontiac High School.
Accent Pontiac has achieved several milestones since receiving the Impact100 Oakland County grant, such as solidifying a partnership with Pontiac High School, establishing a curriculum and program structure for the high school program, and successfully recruiting student participants. Additionally, Accent Pontiac launched the programming ahead of schedule, serving 10 students and hiring four paid student teachers to organize student showcases and community performances, collected evaluation data, and hosted enriching guest artist experiences.
The organization had some unexpected successes, like raising extra funds to support a third paid student-teacher, which was a success as it helped the student-teachers with their personal growth. In addition, a student who took part in Accent Pontiac as a young child could rejoin as a high school student, allowing the program to connect with and serve more students in Pontiac. The project also helped establish a closer relationship with Pontiac School District staff and the local community’s support, including local musician Quincy Jones, who shared that Accent Pontiac students gave him hope for the future of music in Pontiac.
Their grant from Impact100 Oakland County will anchor the first three years of this project, allowing the group to build the program and collect data to showcase to future funders.
“We are confident that we will be able to continue to build upon our existing infrastructure and attract new support to sustain the program,” the organization said. “In addition, Accent Pontiac piloted an earned revenue model in the 2022-2023 school year, securing revenue by being hired to perform at community events and to lead music classes for other organizations. We anticipate opportunities to scale up these earned revenue programs.”
Accent Pontiac’s project has positively impacted participating students and the broader Pontiac community. For example, it improved students’ musical skills and confidence and provided leadership opportunities for student teachers. Additionally, the project benefited younger students in the organization’s after-school program and increased community involvement in student performances and events.