bbleaders

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bbleaders *

A diverse group of young people smiling and posing for a photo indoors.

Creating careers. building Pathways. powering the next generation of creators.

bbLeaders is Building Beats’ year-round workforce development and post-secondary readiness program for young creatives ages 16–24. Designed for bbWorkshops alumni and emerging leaders in the youth music community, bbLeaders bridges the gap between creative passion and real-world opportunity. Through mentorship, paid industry experiences, and hands-on career exploration, participants build the skills, confidence, and networks needed to pursue creative careers, higher education, and sustainable futures in music, media, and creative technology.

Programming runs year-round through summer intensives and fall and spring cohorts and is always free for participants.

As a bbLeader, you’ll gain access to:

  • Career-focused workshops exploring creative industries and real-world roles

  • Professional mentorship from working artists, producers, and media professionals

  • Paid gigs, internships, and leadership opportunities through partner organizations

  • College and post-secondary guidance for creative majors, scholarships, and financial aid

  • Portfolio, content creation, and personal brand support

  • Industry networking with creatives and employers

  • Studio visits, field trips, and behind-the-scenes access to creative workplaces

  • A supportive peer network of young creatives through our Discord community

apply by february 13th

Now accepting applications for spring 2025

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Now accepting applications for spring 2025 *

⏰ Time: 4 PM – 6 PM

📅 Duration: 12 weeks

📅 Schedule: Thursdays & select Saturdays, February 26 – May 28, 2026

  • Learn interviewing, storytelling, and audio production

  • Create podcasts and stream or broadcast on a monthly live radio show

  • Connect with industry professionals, including radio hosts, journalists, DJs and artists

Podcasting + Radio Production

⏰ Time: 3/4 PM – 6 PM

📅 Duration: 12 weeks

📅 Schedule: Fridays, February 27 – June 5, 2026

  • Develop skills in music production, and industry knowledge

  • Work on personal creative projects with guidance from industry mentors

  • Create a portfolio of your work to present at the end-of-program showcase and receive a stipend upon completion

Music Production + Music Business

**Both cohorts meet at Lower East Side Girls Club. Free to all genders and identities, ages 16–24, no experience needed

Apply by February 13th, 2026

  • bbLeaders is a free, year-round creative workforce development program for young people ages 16–24. It’s designed to help you explore creative careers, build real-world skills and prepare for what comes next—whether that’s college, creative training programs, or entering the workforce.

  • bbLeaders is open to young creatives ages 16–24 of all genders and identities. The program is especially designed for youth who are curious about careers in music, media, and creative technology—but you don’t need to have everything figured out to apply.

  • No experience is required. bbLeaders supports beginners as well as participants who already have creative skills. Programming is scaffolded so everyone can grow at their own pace.

  • As a bbLeader, you’ll participate in:

    • Weekly workshops focused on creative careers and skill-building

    • Mentorship with working creatives and industry professionals

    • Hands-on projects, studio sessions, and field trips

    • College and career guidance for creative majors, scholarships, and financial aid

    • Access to gigs, internships, and pathway opportunities through partners

    • Portfolio and content-creation support

    • Community building with other young creatives

  • bbLeaders explores careers across music, media, and creative technology, including (but not limited to):

    • Music production and DJing

    • Audio engineering and podcasting

    • Content creation and media production

    • Live events and creative entrepreneurship

    • Creative tech and digital storytelling

    You don’t need to know your exact path—bbLeaders is about discovering what’s possible.

  • Yes. bbLeaders offers guidance around:

    • Creative college majors and alternative pathways

    • Scholarships and financial aid

    • Portfolio development

    • Career-aligned decision-making

    The goal is to help you make informed choices about what comes after high school.

  • Most cohorts meet weekly, with occasional additional opportunities like gigs, field trips, or special events. We work to make the program accessible for students balancing school, work, and other commitments.

Apply by February 13th, 2026

  • bbleaders radio @ newtown radio

  • Workshop with Jyoty @ ELsewhere

  • bbleader DJing @ Teens take the met

  • Summer DJ Camp @ ELM foundation

  • Summer songwriting camp @ pirate studios

  • bbleaders @ dolby atmos

  • Bbleaders @ Donuts Are forever

check out bbleaders radio!