Bachelor of Arts
AUSB’s unique independent study curriculum as part of the Bachelor of Arts program gave Jen Baron the opportunity to research what goes into creating and managing a nonprofit.
From this experience, Jen created the thriving non-profit Girls Rock Santa Barbara in 2012, a music-filled day camp that supports pre-teen and teenage girls in becoming rock stars by exploring, creating, and expressing themselves in a safe and supportive atmosphere. Guided by inspirational and talented female mentors, many of whom are professional musicians, girls learn to collaborate while having fun playing music.
“The emphasis that Antioch places on social justice completely floored me!” said Jen. “I walked out of class feeling confident, focused, and very inspired to create something wonderful for our community. I’m a musician, so merging music with social justice seemed like a perfect fit!”
Girls Rock’s mission statement is to “build self-esteem and encourage self-empowerment in young women through music education, collaboration, and performance.”
Jen said Antioch’s core value of giving back to the community continues to influence and motivate her today. “That is what has given me a real sense of success,” she said.
Learn more about Girls Rock at girlsrocksb.org.
