About

Youth On Record, a program of Flobots.org, gives young people in treatment the chance to tell their personal stories through digital media.  Our 10-week academic classes focus on the development of music production and lyricism at a professional level.  Students have been overwhelmingly receptive to this approach, because they are encouraged to express themselves through musical genres that they naturally relate to, such as hip-hip, electronica and reggae. This improves their overall success in treatment because not only do they have an outlet to express their emotions, but they connect with their peers, their partner artist mentors and their clinicians in the process. These connections with healthy, supportive adults are crucial to student success both in-treatment and once they leave.

Students must maintain strict behavioral standards in order to participate, and staff at the centers consistently inform us that we are helping some of the most difficult students, those who might otherwise not be reached. Currently, all of our classes have wait lists, and three of our students have gone on to co-teach classes with our YOR instructors.

Youth on Record classes aim to assist students with their treatment plans, and ultimately increase their likelihood for success once they leave the program. This includes getting them workforce ready and prepared for post-secondary education and/or technical programs.

Our primary objectives of this program are:

• Increased computer literacy skills
• Increased willingness to positively participate in social, academic and group settings.
• Demonstrated ability to make informed musical choices as well as the ability to defend those choices

Of our many accomplishments, we're particularly proud that we've achieved the following:

• Taught over 170 classes in residential treatment centers in Colorado since February of 2010.
• Reached over 160 residential treatment students and hundreds of youth in the community.
• Traveled over 4,384 miles to reach our students.
• Committed thousands of instructor hours to the classroom.

Letters of Recommendation

Dustin Coleman

Principal and Program Director - Devereux Cleo Wallace

Craig DeLeone

Marketing and Business Development Manager - Devereux Cleo Wallace

Tanya Houle

Staff - Devereux Cleo Wallace

Dr. Iglahliq and Qaumaniq Suuqiina

Indigenous Messengers International

Karen Kazemi

Pathways Alternative Middle School - Littleton Public Schools

Rebecca Rich

Residential Supervisor - Shiloh House - Longmont Campus

Staff Evaluations

Valerie Scott

Lead Treatment Counselor - Shiloh House - Longmont Campus

Program History and Achievements

• Conducted a twenty week pilot program with The Shiloh House campus in Adams County.  Students were boys between the ages of seven and eleven years old, and their music is hosted in the student music section of this website.
• Maintained an ongoing program for over twenty-two weeks with The Shiloh House campus in Longmont, CO.  The students are boys between the ages of twelve and seventeen, and their music is hosted in the student music section of this website.
• Conducted a workshop with Mentors and Friends in Greeley, CO.  We equipped their computer lab with music production software and conducted a workshop for some of their students and staff.
• Maintained an ongoing program at Shiloh House in Littleton for over fourteen weeks now.
• Maintained an ongoing program for over fifty weeks with Devereux Cleo Wallace in Westminster, CO.  Students are boys and girls between the ages of fourteen and nineteen years old and receive credit for their high school diplomas through our program.  Their music is hosted in the student music section of this website.
• Maintained an ongoing program with Savio House for over thirteen weeks.
• Received a $10,000 grant through The Christian Foundation of Colorado to purchase music equipment for our students.

Our Staff

Nathan Schmit is a long time music producer with a history in home health management for the elderly, residential treatment care for teens, construction management, general management in the service industry, and is currently co-managing El Camino Community Tavern in the Highland's district of Denver. While working with youth, Nathan became interested in the various approaches relevant to youth interaction. As a result, he founded and supervised several clubs for residents, intent on creative exploration as a means of self-development.

Cody Davidson has been involved in the support and mentoring of youth for many years. He has been on the board of directors and a volunteer at the Armageddon Cafe, a teen center which supports at-risk youth through music programs in Homer, Ak. Cody is also a seasoned musician, and he has played in many bands, most recently "Found Among Stones", which he used as a platform to encourage sobriety among the youth who were drawn to his heavy metal/hip hop hybrid band. Cody has found his calling in leading the youth which allows him to both give to those in need of positive encouragement and continue on his path towards his love of music.

Aaron Makaruk has a Philosophy degree from the University of Colorado, is a dedicated yoga teacher and practitioner, musician and producer, and is the co-founder of Youth On Record. He has a passionate commitment to establishing programs and practices built on respect for life through the integration of deep ecology, nutrition, creative expression, physical fitness, spiritual practice, rational thought, and political engagement.

Robert Switzer has been producing music since he was twelve years old, and is talented at playing the guitar, mandolin, banjo, piano, and as a vocalist and producer as well.  He is well traveled, having lived in Costa Rica, Oregon, and Alaska where he worked as a commercial fisherman, Robert Nels Switzer is an indispensable member of the Youth On Record organization.  He has a deep heart and wisdom beyond his years, and the students are lucky to have him in the classroom.