Investing in Tomorrow: SouthSide Soul Youth Empowerment Program Returns with a Mission to Build Leaders, Not Just Artists
As the summer season approaches, families across Metro Atlanta are searching for meaningful ways to engage their children. Enter the SouthSide Soul Youth Empowerment Program, a dynamic and growing initiative that’s more than just a summer camp it’s a leadership pipeline for young creatives. Founded by James Weaver IV, the program returns for its fourth year this June, committed to shaping the minds and futures of young leaders through the power of music, media, and mentorship.
From June 9 to July 11, 2025, the Young & Gifted All-Star Summer Camp will serve 50 students between the ages of 6 and 18 at IM1 Studios in East Point, GA. Over five weeks, students will explore music production, songwriting, performance, digital content creation, branding, and more gaining both technical skills and the confidence to lead in their own lives. The curriculum is designed to develop not only talent, but also discipline, communication, and leadership, the tools young people need to be sustainable and self-reliant in today’s ever-changing world.
James Weaver, who grew up in Chicago and now calls Atlanta home, saw firsthand how access and opportunity can transform a young person’s life. “We’re preparing the next generation not just to be entertainers,” he says, “but to be entrepreneurs, creatives, and most importantly leaders who can thrive with or without the spotlight.”
While the camp has grown rapidly from just six participants in 2022 to serving dozens annually, it comes at a cost. The program is tuition-based to ensure its high-quality offerings and hands-on training remain impactful. However, many families still need support with tuition assistance, transportation, meals, equipment, and field experiences. That’s where community support becomes critical.
Research from the Afterschool Alliance shows that participation in skill-building and leadership-focused programs significantly improves youth outcomes from academic performance to emotional resilience. In an age where social media often influences more than schools or households, programs like SouthSide Soul offer a grounded, empowering space for kids to discover who they are and who they can become.
With rising concerns about how the next generation will build sustainable futures in creative and competitive industries, this program offers a powerful solution: give them the skills, vision, and confidence now.
Parents can register their children or learn more at www.southsidesoul.org.
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