Recently, UrbanFUTURE tested a "Blues in the Schools" concept program, in which local artists shared with students the historical origins of Blues Music in St. Louis and invited them to participate in musical performance. It combined both classroom and performance components. The program was a resounding success showcasing that the Blues has robust appeal amongst urban youth. On Monday, October 24th, UrbanFUTURE released "The Restoration Project™," a CD of local Blues artists who lent their incredible talent to put a spot light on the substantial gains students are making in UF Restoration™.

The Restoration Project demonstrates a confluence of the rich history of Blues music in St. Louis and the education of urban youth. UrbanFUTURE Restoration™, a family-centered, school-based, community-wide initiative, seeks to close the achievement gap in St. Louis' city schools. The musicians and producers have donated their time recording the CD. They will also work with UrbanFUTURE students during the school year to share the historical origins of Blues music in St. Louis and invite them to participate in musical performance.

The Restoration Project Artists include:

The CD is available for a donation of $25 or more at several locations:

Click here to view a photo gallery from The Restoration Project recording session.

About UrbanFUTURE Restoration™

UrbanFUTURE Restoration™ is a family-centered, school-based, community-driven movement dedicated to the success of urban youth. Providing mentoring, tutoring, career prep and enrichment activities for students in the St Louis Public Schools, UF Restoration is unique in that we work in partnership with students' families, schools, and communities, providing a solid foundation upon which students can see and believe in their possibilities.

Students enrolled in UF Restoration are growing at rates 2.5 times greater in Communication Arts and 7 times greater in Math than their non-UF peers on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) test. When comparing UrbanFUTURE students to their suburban counterparts, this translated into cutting the achievement gap by about 25%! This school year, we will engage over 400 students and their families and over 500 community volunteers in UF Restoration at six schools!

UrbanFUTURE Mission: In partnership with family, school and community, UrbanFUTURE is dedicated to the success of urban youth through character formation, academic growth and career preparation.