Oakland, CA based Youth Beat is the first recipient of a grant in the Sony Create Action grant program. Create Action's mission is to provide long-lasting impact for local organizations and the communities they serve. Along with collaboration opportunities and marketing support, Youth Beat will receive $50,000 in cash to continue and expand the organization’s work, a Sony-produced short film telling their story and $50,000 in Sony Electronics products to support their action plan.

Create Action Grant recipient Youth Beat offers extensive digital media training, youth development and employment opportunities for inner-city Oakland public school students.

Youth Beat is based in Oakland, CA and offers extensive digital media training, youth development and employment opportunities for inner-city Oakland public school students. With a mission to help inner-city kids get on a path that leads to success in college, career and life, the organization provides them with the opportunity to learn and grow, just the same as those with access to private schooling, but at no cost.

Since its first year in 2009, Youth Beat continues to develop and increase its programs and offerings. The organization started by providing a video production class, and that quickly evolved into a paid youth internship program. In addition to the internships, they offer free After School Programs that provide film, television production and animation training, all of which are taught by accomplished professionals in the industry. They also offer Summer Programs with intensive workshops to keep students motivated and inspired outside of school, and School Site Programs where they work closely with schools in Oakland to provide custom training programs for digital media.

Not only does Youth Beat provide these incredible learning experiences and programs, they also employ their graduates and student interns through Youth Beat PRO, their full-service production company and creative agency. Youth Beat has a team of industry professionals who work alongside the youth to ensure the delivery of high-quality content while providing real-world and resume-building experience.

Youth Beat’s dedication to supporting the youth of Oakland makes them an excellent choice to receive the Create Action Grant. Sony looks forward to working with the organization on the mutual goal of creating lasting positive change within the communities we serve, and aims to amplify the efforts of the organization through funding, storytelling and collaboration.

Learn more about Youth Beat at youthbeath.org.

The Create Action Grant Program is open through March 29, 2022 and will provide grants to 10 organizations total, with one new grant awarded each month. After initial submission, each application will be within consideration throughout the entirety of the program. Learn more and see how your organization can apply at alphauniverse.com/createaction.