
is a harmony of music and education. We prepare youth for college and career through a four-pronged approach

Music Instruction
Middle and High school students receive college-level music instruction from college faculty and professional musicians to build the next generation of musicians and increase their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.

Academic Support
Students receive weekly instruction in STEM subjects, while also improving language skills. FAME’s music and educational components meet national standards and help students to excel in school and achieve advanced academic placement.

College Preparation
Students prepare for college education through academic tutoring, study skills development, SAT preparation, identifying college majors and requirements, and learning about the admissions and financial aid processes.

Career Readiness
Students develop technical skills for music industry-related occupations as well as soft skills such as organization, time management, goal setting, and networking necessary for employment in any industry.
FAME challenges students to set high expectations for their academic and life achievements by expanding students’ experiences to demonstrate that they are not defined by their current conditions or surroundings.
MISSION
FAME’s Mission Is To Give Every Young Musician The Best Opportunity To Succeed In Life By Providing Music Training And Academic Support.
VISION
Every Young Musician Is Prepared For College, Career, And Lifelong Learning.
VALUES
We believe that children, teens, and young adults, regardless of social and economic need, should have access to quality music and music education as part of their journey to adulthood. We believe that if given the tools, including the power of music, program participants will become young adults of a well-rounded character, and part of the next generation of leaders for our community and our nation.
Work Ethic
Strengthen character through discipline, determination, commitment to mastering your craft, and staying motivated to get the job done.
Learning
Optimize opportunities to acquire new knowledge in and out of the classroom through active listening and fully engaged participation over a lifetime.
Integrity
Uncompromising adherence to strong moral principles, being honest, consistent and true to self, and doing the right thing even if no one is watching.
Respect
Exhibit care, concern, and consideration for self and others; treat people as we want to be treated.
Commitment
Demonstrate dedication to your lessons, your craft, your instrument, and the organization.
Caring
Provide a nurturing environment in which students consistently encourage and uplift each other and feel valued.
Cultivating Relationships
Establish and maintain relationships with persons and organizations that share our values and commitment to FAME’s mission.
HISTORY
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2004
The Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education was founded as Prince George’s County Foundation for Music and Education. -
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2004-2008
With the support of professional musicians and the Prince George’s Community College, FAME hosts a series of concerts and performances to raise funds for its scholarship. -
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2005
Began annual sponsorship of two local Spelling Bees in Prince’s George’s County and Washington, DC. that continues today. -
2008
FAME received its first donated instrument—a baby grand piano, still being used by FAME students today. -
2008
Launched the Music is Central program at Central High School in Capitol Heights, MD to provide professional musicians to support music teachers, tutoring, workshops, speakers, instruments, materials, and supplies. -
2009
Music is Central expanded to include six additional Prince George’s County schools and 900 youth -
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2011
Launched Summer Technology Program in partnership with the University of Maryland College Park School of Music for 17 students. -
2011
Hosted Happy Hearts to promote literacy through music for the young children at United Communities Against Poverty’s (UCAP) homeless shelter, Shepherd’s Cove. -
2011-2015
FAME is named Outstanding Nonprofit from the Maryland State Senate, Maryland Delegates, Prince George’s County Executive and Prince George’s County Council Members. -
2012
Expanded the Summer Music Program to two additional locations in partnership with the Prince George’s County Public School System and Bowie State University. -
2012
FAME and Arena entered the Guinness Book of Records for hosting 370 trombonist from the U.S. and Canada to perform “76 Trombones” simultaneously at the Washington Nationals baseball field. -
2012
Hosted Bridging the Musical Spectrum fundraiser, recreating the James Brown and Pavarotti duet of This is a Man’s World at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of MD College Park. -
2012
FAME student Asa DeShields performed the National Anthem at Bowie Baysox baseball game. -
2012
Co-sponsored ‘A Conversation with Civil Rights Icon John Lewis’ featuring his book, Walking With the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement. -
2014
Received Innovative Achievement in Arts & Humanities Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. -
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2015
Established the FAME Jazz Band Program (FJBP) a year-round, community-based program for 14 youth under the inaugural Artistic Director, Nat Adderley, Jr. -
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2015
Received Shirley Chisholm Memorial Trailblazers Award from the National Congress of Black Women. -
2018
Selected by Venture Philanthropy Partners for its three year Ready for Work Nonprofit Capacity Building Program. -
2018
The Summer Music Program expanded beyond technology to include voice instruction, and songwriting for 150 students at two locations. -
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2019
The Summer Music Program continues to expand offering music technology, voice instruction, songwriting and instrumental intensive workshops for 200 students. -
2020
The year-round FAME Jazz Band Program grows to 31 Prince George’s County students attending public, private, and home schools up from 21 students the previous year. -
2020
The Music is Central program supports upwards of 1500 youth in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and Alexandria VA. -
2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, launches distance learning program, FAME Online Learning. -
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2021
Completed the Venture Philanthropy Partners Ready for Work Nonprofit Capacity Building Program. -
2021
Executive Director completed the Leadership Greater Washington’s Signature Program. -
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STAFF & FACULTY
Board of Directors
ACADEMIC TUTORING
Innovative Study Techniques (IST), Inc. provides academic tutoring, college preparation, and career readiness workshops for FAME students. IST was founded in 2003 by Riche Holmes Grant, Esq., an Ivy League-educated attorney who has dedicated her professional career to building academic environments that motivate and challenge students to resist the status quo. Under Riche’s direction, IST has grown to become a multi-dimensional educational services authority sought after by parents and organizations for its novel approach to learning and progressive vision for education. IST is headquartered in Largo, MD.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Beau Ballou
Denise Rolark Barnes
Che Colbert
Jan Fox
Judith Korey
University of the District of Columbia
Edward J. Lewis
Gwendolyn Hubbard Lewis
Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria