Support HSRA

Since 1998, Studio 4/High School for Recording Arts has nurtured and positively impacted the life and educational experiences of hundreds of teens who might otherwise have dropped out of high school. We want to affect the lives of even more young people, and invite you to join us in our efforts to reach students in urban communities across the United States through the Studio 4/HSRA model.

Studio 4/HSRA has created a successful learning community wherein students–often neglected and unsupported in traditional school system–have blossomed, excelled and gone on to pursue postsecondary education, employment and the aspirations they were given the freedom to dream while attending HSRA. Of the approximately 400 students who have enrolled at HSRA St. Paul, about 290 or 72.5 percent have graduated.

We believe the Studio 4/HSRA model can be replicated at new HSRA sites and existing educational institutions targeting hard to reach adolescents. To do so, however, HSRA needs your help:

Strengthen the Existing Studio 4/HSRA Model

This involves building organizational capacity for model enhancement and full implementation. Expenses include:

• Model Redesign
• Professional Development and Staff Coaching in Model Implementation
• Quantifying Student Performance and Successes
• Capturing Data Electronically
• Tracking Students After Graduation from HSRA

Build a New HSRA St. Paul Site

As the flagship of the Studio 4/HSRA system, the new St. Paul site will be fully equipped to provide:

• Residence to students requiring refuge from difficult or transitional family situations.
• Lab training, instructional modeling and professional development for staff in HSRA replication sites.
• Research and training for the education community at large.

Replicate the St. Paul Site in New York City

Funds are needed to cover all aspects of school site planning and start-up costs including:

• Planning Team Compensation and Activities
• Board and Staff Recruitment
• Community Outreach
• Site-Based Costs (i.e. Facility-Related, Insurance, Equipment, etc.)
• Professional Development

Product Donations

HSRA is always in need of new or slightly used musical instruments and age-appropriate books for our library.

Celebrity/Community Speakers and Volunteers

We welcome those who would like to donate their time to HSRA. Our weekly community meeting and Fo Show radio program have a constant need for people to speak and be interviewed. To visit or volunteer at HSRA, please contact Tony Simmons at tony@hsra.org or (651) 717-5646.

Cash Donations/Capital Endowment

Any dollar amount is appreciated and may be tax-deductible. Our goal is to establish a $1 million endowment to ensure the longterm viability of our school and programs. We now accept secure online donations via PayPal. Click the button below to make an online donation:

Checks made payable to “High School for Recording Arts” may also be mailed to:

Tony Simmons, Development Director
High School for Recording Arts
550 Vandalia Street
St. Paul, MN 55114

HSRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation (Federal Tax ID Number 41-1915563) and is registered with the State of Minnesota pursuant to Minnesota Statute Chapter 309, the Charitable Solicitations Act (MN Tax ID Number 3987814). Check with your tax advisor to determine tax-deductibility of donations.

Thank You for Your Support!

You can make a difference in the lives of teens touched by Studio 4/HSRA. We truly appreciate those who support our vision of a learning community based on the four pillars of Studio 4: family, community, respect and education.

If you have any questions about supporting HSRA, please contact development director Tony Simmons at (651) 717-5646 or program founder David Ellis at (612) 414-4730.