BARD × JUNETEENTH NYC · 2026-27

Legacy in Motion:
Youth Leadership &
Career Experience

Connect Black history and cultural identity with leadership, career exploration, practical business skills and community service. Students build and present real work-not just attend workshops. No music performance experience is required.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Two Seasons. One Journey.

Season 1 - Learn & Build

Oct 30, 2026 - Feb 26, 2027

12 scheduled Friday sessions with intentional breaks for holidays and Bard school activities; this is a 12-session learning arc, not 12 consecutive weekly meetings.

Students explore history, identity, civic voice, professional identity, responsible AI research, marketing, audience research, money, business, design and presentation skills.

B.E.A.T. - Business Education for Artists and Trailblazers

Introduces behind-the-scenes music-business careers including marketing, media, management, labels, studios and entrepreneurship.

Marketing and responsible AI offer transferable skills.

The first season centers on one live community client. Proposed student work includes an audience/client audit, content and a mini-campaign, a fan journey from post to sign-up, and a client pitch.

A Black History Month live-event capstone is proposed, subject to client and school approval, it is production/marketing experience, not a performance requirement.

Season 2 - Lead & Serve

Mar 5 - Jun 11, 2027

The current calendar lists 11 Friday meeting dates and 12 proposed learning/event blocks.

Returning students may build supported peer-leadership skills; new students receive foundation lessons and join teams.

Community work, client access and June 11's extended workshop/celebration require approval.

What students can work toward

A professional
one-sheet/profile
worksheet.

History presentation
and teamwork
experience.

3+ portfolio pieces
per student, potentially including a client audit/persona, content or campaign samples, a fan-journey funnel, a client pitch and - if delivered - a documented live-event role.

A presentation describing
their contribution
and learning.

In spring, a documented community-project role;
returning students may also document peer leadership.

Cohort 1 Goals

15 enrolled students
At least 10 completing
75% attendance across scheduled sessions
3+ portfolio pieces per student

These are goals, not promised results.

Recommendation-letter eligibility, youth ambassador roles and summer internship referrals are possible follow-on opportunities only; none are guaranteed.