The Chester County Youth Center (CCYC) recently added a recording studio to its facility. The studio includes technology for music production, recording book readings, graphic design, and video editing.

The studio was initially suggested by a resident of the Youth Center, and it became a reality after CCYC was connected with Lancaster-based Creative Hope Studios through the Chester County Juvenile Probation Office. Creative Hope Studios engages with youths in the juvenile justice system through hip-hop and creative arts to develop a platform for positive change.

Founded in 2021 by a team of music industry professionals, juvenile justice trainers and community activists, Creative Hope Studios uses hip-hop's four fundamental elements in its program: graffiti, break dancing, rapping, and DJing. Participants can write, record, and edit music and lyrics, read a book or record a message for family members, and create graphic designs for album covers. Use of the studio at CCYC is a privilege that is earned.

The Creative Hope studio at the Chester County Youth Center was purchased through a Title I grant, and CCYC staff received training on operating and maintaining it.