Make a difference here
This is where community investment meets authentic youth development
The Residency exists because community shows up. For nearly a decade, families, educators, organizations, and supporters have recognized that young artists from historically excluded communities deserve more than just opportunities—they deserve investment.
When you support The Residency, you're investing in the next generation who will shape Hip Hop's future while honoring its roots.
VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer With The Residency
The Residency is building a community of young hip-hop artists ready to grow as professionals and cultural change makers. Volunteers play a big part in making that possible. Your time and energy help us stay rooted in the community while we create opportunities for the next generation through hip-hop.
What You Might Help With:
Auditions
Writers Camp
Satellite Shows
Summer Intensive
Annual Fundraiser
Where the Heart Lives showcase
Volunteer Roles Include:
Registration and check-in
Event set-up and tear-down
Assisting with production
Greeting and ushering guests
Program prep and support
Helping in vocal and production workshops
Pitching in wherever needs come up
We see volunteering as a two-way exchange. Your involvement strengthens our work, and in return, you’ll gain hands-on experience, new skills, and real connection to the culture we’re building.
📌 Sign up here: Volunteer Form
📧 Questions? Email us at team@theresidencyseattle.org
VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER
For Parents & Families
My Young Person is Serious About Music
We know what it means to trust someone with your child's dreams. When your young person has talent, passion, and vision, you want to support them—but you also need to know they're building something sustainable.
What Makes Us Different for Families
Professional Development, Not Just Performance Your young person will learn to perform—and they'll learn to lead. Our programs combine creative development with business skills, leadership training, and industry exposure. Alumni have launched studios, started nonprofits, and built careers that support themselves and their families.
Cultural Respect, Not Cultural Exploitation We don't use hip-hop as a hook to get kids in the door. Hip-hop is our foundation. Your young person's culture, voice, and identity are honored and celebrated, not changed or toned down.
Family Communication and Transparency You'll know exactly what your young person is experiencing. We maintain open communication throughout programs, provide detailed schedules, and ensure you understand both the creative and professional growth happening.
Safety and Supervision Professional staff, supervised spaces, background-checked mentors, and comprehensive safety protocols. Your young person's wellbeing is fundamental to everything we do.
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I watched my daughter grow not just as an artist, but as a confident young woman who knows her worth and her place in the culture.
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They didn't try to change my son—they helped him become more himself while giving him real skills for his future.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Financial Reality
Zero cost to families for core programming
$750 stipend provided to Summer Intensive participants
Meals and transportation covered during programs
Scholarships available for alumni pursuing education
What's Next for Your Family?
From Unseen to UNSTOPPABLE
From Unseen to UNSTOPPABLE
For Community Partners
I Work With Young Creatives
You know talented young people who deserve better than surface-level programming. You’ve seen too many “youth programs” that tokenize hip-hop culture or treat young artists as problems to be managed rather than leaders to be developed.
Why Partners Choose The Residency
Authentic Cultural Grounding We live hip-hop. Our teaching artists are working professionals from the culture. Our programming honors all nine elements of hip-hop, not just what’s commercially popular.
Measurable Career Outcomes Partners can track real results: studio sessions completed, industry connections made, leadership roles taken, scholarships earned, and career pathways activated. This is workforce development.
Youth-Centered Programming We treat young artists as equals because they are. Our Youth Leadership Council helps design programming, and alumni become teaching artists and mentors. Young people lead here, not just participate.
Long-Term Relationship Building This isn’t a one-semester partnership. Alumni stay connected for years, becoming mentors, collaborators, and community leaders. We’re building lasting relationships, not just filling program slots.
partnership models
School District Collaborations
Credit-bearing courses in Hip-Hop archiving and documentation
Professional development for educators
Student referral pipelines for ongoing programming
Community Organization Partnerships
Shared programming and resource development
Cross-referral systems for comprehensive youth support
Joint grant applications and funding strategies
Corporate Community Investment
Internship and job placement programs
Venue partnerships for showcases and events
Equipment and technology donations
CHECK OUT our sponsors
Impact by the Numbers
100+ youth served across all programs
42 public performances providing real-world experience
$21,280 in stipends distributed directly to young artists
19 distinct programs delivered throughout the year
Ready to Partner?
From Unseen to UNSTOPPABLE
From Unseen to UNSTOPPABLE
For Supporters & Investors
I Want to Invest in This Work
Your investment removes barriers and creates possibilities. Every dollar you contribute helps a young person believe their voice matters, their story is worth telling, and their dreams are achievable.
Why Your Investment Matters
Direct Impact on Young Artists 52% of our revenue comes from individual donors like you. Your support pays for stipends, studio time, transportation, meals, and professional mentorship that young artists may not access otherwise.
Barrier Removal, Not Charity We eliminate the obstacles that keep talented young people from accessing opportunities. Financial barriers, transportation challenges, equipment needs, and industry connections.
THE GIFT THAT CAN CHANGE A LIFE
Sustainable Career Development. Alumni get discovered by building careers. They launch studios, start nonprofits, become teaching artists, and create opportunities for the next generation. Your investment multiplies through every person they lift up.
Cultural Legacy Protection. Hip-hop culture is preserved and carried forward through authentic education and mentorship. You’re investing in the continuation of a movement that has shaped global culture for over 50 years.
Ways to Support
Monthly Giving ($25-$500/month)
Sustaining support that allows us to plan programming and provide consistent opportunities year-round.
Major Gift Investment ($10,000+)
Strategic investments in permanent facilities, equipment, or multi-year programming expansion.
Program Sponsorship ($1,000-$10,000)
Sponsor specific programs like Summer Intensive, studio sessions, or scholarship funds. See direct impact of your investment.
Corporate Partnership
Sponsor events, provide internships, offer venue space, or create ongoing collaboration opportunities.
