A call to arms! Sorta.

Hello Gentlemen and Ladies of course.
Mods if this out of line or in the wrong place please feel free to punish me.

The reason I am posting this is that I work at a small Charter School here in Colorado Springs. We are called Community Prep School and work with High School kids ages 14 to 21 for a self paced credit recovery program.
We have kids from all backgrounds, over all they are great kids who need strong role models and guidance in their lives. We provide a lot of different opportunities and assistance with internships around town. We have a makeshift music/studio program that is run by an individual with some inside knowledge of the music industry and self promoting. He is using this to teach a group of students how to record, mix, edit and perform their own music.
They have worked throughout this past school year to develop their skills and have actually produced and performed their own music. The program is called School of Rap. Yes, I know what you're thinking, rap music? It is popular with the kids but this is their outlet and form of therapy.
Using his connections in the industry he has secured some spots at the BET Awards show this June in LA. This was a very short notice opportunity but some of the students will be trying to accompany him to meet with some of the big shots and promote the program.

The jest of this is if you have not guessed by now is that we at the school are trying to raise funds to get them there. Staff are giving private donations to get them there.
We are trying to raise funds for the following things.
AirlFare for three from Denver to LA.
Hotel Stay for the weekend of June 6th to the 10th.
New clothing for at least 3 students to wear to the event.
Incidental Costs such as Food and local transportation.

If you feel this is something you can dip into your ammo money and support please contact me using PM.

The two students attending are good kids who have the talent and a chance to get their shot.
I have worked with them at this school for a couple of years and this program has turned them around.
I appreciate your time and consideration.
I would not be asking if I didn?t believe in these two boys.Attachment 98866


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"To educate a person in mind and not morals is to educate a menace to society." -Theodore Roosevelt

Do you have Venmo or some other form of electronic transfer? I'll toss you a couple of bucks.

I'm in for a hundo. What else am I going to do with it? Buy another .44 magnum? (Sorry Doc45, maybe next week)

PM sent.

TEAMRICO,

I may also be able to help the school with training options for IT certifications, where the training is free, but then the exam costs money (hopefully we would find donations for the exams.)

I feel these are valuable because they focus the learning to a certification that is industry recognized and should result in the student being an excellent candidate for being hired.

-John

Thanks for the outpouring so far gang!
I do have Zelle.
Prepaid Debit cards are a good idea too.

I can provide mailing info.
Thanks so much guys, Rico

I have a shitload of airline "points" but hesitant because of the end goal. Are you connected with the vocational HS out east of Springs?

Electricians, pipefitters, millwrights, bricklayers, tinners, riggers, etc all help build great things 24/7.


Music is a hobby for many, and a viable job for a very very few.

We have an organization here in town that has been teaching a group of students at an off campus site. They teach them the basics of construction and the different fields that go along with it.
We understand not all students will go to college and try to direct the ones who show interest into these fields to get them into workforce during the summer months and after graduation.

kokelly@communityprepschool.org

PayPal info if you still wanna help.
For those who donated so far I have transferred your donations!
Again, thank you very much.
Rico

Flash Flash Flash UPDATE.

Just to update anyone who had donated or might be interested in the outcome.
The trip to California was a success. They were able to network with industry professionals and meet and perform for some big names in the music business. The kids had the time of their lives.
Well the good news is that our little gang of artists and talent had received word that one of their songs would be on a video game soundtrack known as NBA 2K for 2026. I believe it is a basketball themed game. But it gets better!
As of last month they were informed that they have been in the running for a possible GRAMMY AWARD! Not yet nominated but in the submissions process. The voting begins tomorrow. It is a process of promotion and getting their name out there right now.
KO explained it is a long process and the stress has been weighing down on him and the artists. He does not want to let these kids down.
They have been working on a promotion video and when that is completed I will link it here.

Our school is buzzing about this everyday and the suspense is driving us all crazy.
When any news, either good or not so good, comes out I will update this.
Thanks gin to all that made this happen so far.