What Youth Beat does

YouthBeat is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2009 (originally as Media Enterprise Alliance, rebranded in March 2017) that provides free digital media arts education to low-income Oakland public school students. It operates from the KDOL-TV broadcast facility adjacent to MetWest High School in Oakland and delivers programming across 15+ Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) school sites plus a central academy at KDOL-TV. Its core programming spans Future Filmmakers I & II (entry and advanced video production), Animators I, After Effects & Motion Graphics, School Site Programs, a Summer Media Academy, a Pre-Apprenticeship program for ages 16-24 offering a $6,000 stipend, and a custom Workshops offering for organizations. Curriculum is built to Common Core and CTE standards, taught by 15+ working-industry teaching artists, and provides OUSD elective credit and Laney College dual-enrollment college credit.

The organization's social enterprise division, YouthBeat PRO, employs advanced students and alumni on fee-for-service video production for mission-driven clients — a named client roster includes OUSD, Oakland Museum of California, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Northern California Grantmakers, Nia Impact Capital, Urban Ed Academy, Oakland Feather River Camp, Bridgespan, Vans, Oakland Workforce Development Board, Oakland Roots Soccer Club, and the Silicon Valley startup Senyours. Underlying production infrastructure includes professional HD cameras, editing computers, lighting and audio equipment, Adobe Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, and free access to KDOL-TV's PEG-funded professional broadcast studio.

YouthBeat's revenue model is a hybrid nonprofit mix: foundation grants (All Stars Helping Kids, Cal Humanities, Miranda Lux Foundation, Kenneth Rainin Foundation, Stulsaft, Lowell Berry, and others), individual donations processed via the Give Lively platform and raised through annual screening/fundraiser events (raising $15K in 2018 and ~$35K in 2021), corporate sponsorships (Pixar, Vans, Sony, Lucasfilm, Oakland A's), and earned fee-for-service revenue from YouthBeat PRO. All youth programs are free; PRO pricing is quote-based. The organization is fiscally sponsored by the Oakland Public Education Fund and led by Executive Director Jake Schoneker (in role since 2016, with the organization since 2010), supported by an 8-person core staff plus part-time teaching artists.

Name

Youth Beat

Legal name

YouthBeat

Website

https://youthbeat.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

YouthBeat is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2009 that provides free digital media arts training to low-income Oakland Unified School District students, operating from KDOL-TV and 15+ school sites, with a social enterprise arm (YouthBeat PRO) offering fee-for-service youth-produced video production.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Media Arts Education and Workforce Development

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Child and Youth Services (62411), All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD), Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD), Teen/Youth-Oriented Channels (Ages 12–17) (MPABAKAC)

Keywords

• Youth media training
• Digital media education
• Youth development programs
• Media arts education
• Youth filmmaking programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Oakland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. YouthBeat PRO Fee-for-Service Production: YouthBeat PRO is the organization's social enterprise division that employs Oakland youth to produce high-quality media content for fee-paying clients. Revenue from client projects supports YouthBeat's programming while providing students with real-world work experience. Past clients include OUSD, Oakland Museum of California, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Girl's Inc., Thomas J. Long Foundation, Oakland Mayor's Office, Northern California Grantmakers, Nia Impact Capital, Urban Ed Academy, Oakland Feather River Camp, Bridgespan, Vans, Oakland Workforce Development Board, and Senyours (Silicon Valley startup).
2. Foundation Grants and Philanthropic Funding: YouthBeat receives grant funding from foundations including All Stars Helping Kids (Ronnie Lott), Cal Humanities (for Displaced documentary project), Miranda Lux Foundation (matching grants), Kenneth Rainin Foundation, and other institutional donors. The Oakland Public Education Fund serves as the organization's fiscal sponsor.
3. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute through the organization's website (via Give Lively platform) and at events. The annual screening party/fundraiser is a key fundraising vehicle, with events raising $15,000 (2018), nearly $35,000 (2021 virtual event), and hosting a $15,000 matching grant from Miranda Lux Foundation.
4. Corporate Sponsorship: Corporate sponsors including Vans, Pixar, Sony, and others provide financial support and in-kind donations (e.g., Pixar donated funds for animation classes; industry partners provide mentorship and career opportunities).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

YouthBeat is a nonprofit youth development organization that provides free digital media arts training (filmmaking, animation, photography, design, video game design) to low-income Oakland youth through school-site, after-school, summer, and pre-apprenticeship programs delivered at OUSD campuses and the KDOL-TV studio. Its social enterprise arm, YouthBeat PRO, employs advanced students and recent alumni to produce professional video, photography, and multimedia content for fee-paying mission-driven clients (nonprofits, government agencies, and businesses), generating revenue that subsidizes the training programs.

Product overview

Youth Beat is a nonprofit that provides free digital media training to Oakland youth, offering a multi-tiered program architecture. The core offering is YouthBeat Academy, which provides after-school programs, summer intensives, and school-site training in filmmaking, animation, photography, and design. YouthBeat PRO serves as the social enterprise division employing students for professional client work. The Pre-Apprentice Program provides career pathways for older youth. All programs emphasize hands-on training, portfolio building, and connection to industry professionals and college credit through OUSD and Laney College.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• YouthBeat PRO: YouthBeat's social enterprise division that employs Oakland youth to produce high-quality media content for socially-conscious clients

Products and services

• YouthBeat PRO YouthBeat PRO is the social enterprise division that employs Oakland youth (including advanced students and recent alumni) to produce high-quality media content for fee-paying mission-driven clients. Services include fundraising and advocacy campaigns, impact storytelling, creative direction, strategic communications, educational and explainer videos, event coverage, and experiential activations. Revenue generated supports YouthBeat's training programs while providing students with real-world, portfolio-building work experience.
• Future Filmmakers I Entry-level video production class teaching fundamentals of filmmaking for OUSD students. Students learn video production basics and build a portfolio of work for career, internship, and college applications. Provides 5 OUSD elective credits per semester with a $250 per semester attendance-based stipend.
• Future Filmmakers II Advanced filmmaking program for students with prior video production experience who can submit examples of their media work. Continues building professional portfolios with higher-level production skills and provides a $500 per semester stipend.
• Animators I Fundamentals course covering stop motion and computer animation. Students receive tablets and computers to work with, learning software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe After Effects. Available as a full year or single semester.
• After Effects & Motion Graphics Advanced animation course for students with previous animation experience or second-year students. Focuses on motion graphics, character animation, and portfolio development using industry-standard software.
• Pre-Apprentice Program Paid media pre-apprenticeship program for youth ages 16-21 (rising high school juniors and seniors preferred). Offers a $6,000 stipend for completion of the 6-month program and provides pathways to full-time apprenticeship and employment via employer partners. Cohorts of 30 youth across 5 OUSD sites.
• Summer Media Academy Multi-track summer program offering introductory workshops, digital media intensives preparing students for media careers, and paid internships working on professional projects. The 2024 Summer Academy served 72 Oakland youth over five intensive weeks with 100+ hours of multimedia training.
• School Site Programs Custom media arts programs delivered directly at OUSD school campuses (Castlemont, McClymonds, Arise HS, MetWest, Life Academy, La Escuelita, Burkehalter, Bella Vista, Coliseum College Prep Academy, Madison Park Academy, Street Academy, Rudsdale, West Oakland MS, Westlake MS, Edna Brewer MS, Oakland International HS). Each program is custom-built to fit the school's needs; YouthBeat provides all gear, teaching artists, and curriculum aligned with Common Core and CTE Standards.
• Workshops Custom hands-on visual storytelling workshops for organizations, businesses, and schools. YouthBeat brings all necessary equipment and provides professional facilitation tailored to meet organizational communications and programming needs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Enrollment grew from 50 students/year (2014) to 300+ students/year (2016) to 500+ students/year (2019)
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor, major and core.

• Oakland Roots Soccer ClubminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024YouthBeat partnered with Oakland Roots Soccer Club in 2024 for the Summer Bridge Program and YouthBeat PRO division. Students tabled at three home games to showcase YouthBeat programs, and YouthBeat PRO apprentice Filo secured a media internship with the club for the entire 2024 season, providing photo and video coverage of games.
• Boots RileyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Acclaimed Oakland-grown filmmaker and musician Boots Riley (director of 'Sorry to Bother You' and 'I'm a Virgo') visited YouthBeat in summer 2024 as a guest speaker, sharing his filmmaking philosophy, experiences, and career insights with students during an interactive Q&A session.
• Oakstop Alliance / Damon JohnsonminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2022Damon Johnson of the Oakstop Alliance provides entrepreneurship training to YouthBeat Pre-Apprenticeship program participants, helping apprentices develop their personal brand and skills for networking, freelancing, and job acquisition in the media industry.
• KQEDminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019KQED is listed as a content partner in YouthBeat's education partner section. Students have been featured on KQED Newsroom, including a follow-up interview with student Samantha Ivey following the PBS NewsHour Face the Facts town hall.
• VansminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Vans established industry partnerships with YouthBeat in 2018 as part of YouthBeat's expanding industry connections. Vans has provided support for youth media programs and events, including donations for raffle prizes at the 15th Annual Showcase.
• Pixar Animation StudiosmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Pixar made a generous donation to help fund YouthBeat's animation classes in 2018. Pixar animators (including Frank Abney, Christian Roman, Andrew Jimenez, MontaQue Ruffin) have visited YouthBeat to mentor students, provide feedback on student work, and share their career journeys. Pixar also donated copies of its first comic anthology 'Foreword' to students.
• LucasfilmminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Lucasfilm is listed among YouthBeat's industry partners and supporters, providing connections and mentorship opportunities for youth media students.
• Oakland A'sminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018The Oakland Athletics baseball team established industry partnerships with YouthBeat in 2018 to help students learn from and network with industry professionals.
• Laney CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Through an articulation agreement and a staff position in the Laney College media department, YouthBeat offers both articulated and dual enrollment community college courses through Laney that are taught at KDOL-TV and open to any OUSD student. Students earn college credits while still in high school, creating a bridge to secondary education for underprivileged Oakland students. The partnership is core to YouthBeat's wrap-around services and mentorship model.
• PBS NewsHourmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012YouthBeat became a PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Lab in 2012, providing students the opportunity to create stories that air on the national newscast. Students have had their work featured on PBS NewsHour's website and participated in national youth town halls. This partnership positions YouthBeat students alongside youth media programs nationwide.
• KDOL-TV (Oakland Unified School District)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009YouthBeat is based at KDOL-TV, OUSD's Education Access TV station. KDOL provides free access to its state-of-the-art broadcast studio space and PEG (public, education, and government) cable TV franchise-funded production gear. KDOL receives hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in PEG funds for equipment, which YouthBeat makes accessible to Oakland students through its teaching artists and curriculum. Without YouthBeat, this studio and equipment would not be available for student media arts training.
• Oakland Unified School District (OUSD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009YouthBeat works closely with OUSD to offer academic credit for after-school programs and create quality media arts programs in OUSD public schools. YouthBeat currently operates or supports programs at 15+ schools across the district. OUSD provides partial funding and accreditation, and OUSD schools help sponsor YouthBeat programs at their sites. YouthBeat has proper insurance requirements to work inside OUSD school sites.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves15 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Bay Area Video Coalition (BAVC): Oakland-based nonprofit providing media arts education, production training, and youth workforce programs across the Bay Area. BAVC is the closest geographic and mission match, offering media-making training to underserved communities with similar youth-career-pipeline infrastructure.
• Spy Hop Productions: Salt Lake City-based nonprofit youth media arts organization providing free filmmaking, audio, and design training to teens with paid client production work. Operates an analogous model combining free media training, mentor-led productions, and industry pathways for underserved youth.
• Downtown Community Television Center (DCTV): NYC-based nonprofit media arts education center providing free video production training, equipment access, and youth programs. Comparable as a long-standing nonprofit offering professional-grade facilities to underrepresented storytellers — YouthBeat's analog on the East Coast.
• Inner City Broadcasting / Youth Radio: Oakland/Bay Area-based nonprofit (now YR Media) training diverse young people in journalism, media production, and digital storytelling. Equivalent model to YouthBeat, focused on paid youth-produced content for major media outlets, with overlapping donor and partner ecosystems.
• Appalshop: Appalachian media arts, storytelling, and education nonprofit producing films, radio, and training programs for rural and underserved youth. Direct peer in combining community-based media production, youth training, and cultural storytelling for marginalized populations.
• San Francisco Film Society (SFFILM): Bay Area film education and youth programs nonprofit — YouthBeat team member Zaha Cheema previously worked at SFFILM. Both deliver film education pipelines for Bay Area youth, though SFFILM is more festival- and industry-facing while YouthBeat is school-site-anchored.
• Reel Grrls: Seattle-based nonprofit teaching filmmaking and media production skills to young women and gender-nonconforming youth. Shares the youth-media-arts-education, equipment-access, and portfolio-building structure of YouthBeat, focused on a different demographic.

Broad incumbents

• KQED: Bay Area public media station already named as a YouthBeat content partner. KQED runs youth media programming, education initiatives, and student journalism at scale across Northern California — a broader incumbent operating in an overlapping space.
• PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs: National program YouthBeat joined in 2012 giving students national broadcast exposure. Operates a network of student journalism labs across the U.S., making it a broader incumbent that competes for similar funding and recognition in student-media education.

Others

• The Google News Lab / Local News Lab: Adjacent ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor — Google News initiatives fund youth journalism programs and supply equipment/curriculum to high school media programs. Listed as 'others' because it operates as a funder/enabler for programs like YouthBeat rather than a peer provider.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/MEAOakland
• Xx.com/YouthBeatMedia
• Facebookfacebook.com/YouthBeatMedia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/youthbeat

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Youth Beat