Matthew Kerr

Matthew Kerr is the Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Beyond the Bars, a Philadelphia nonprofit that uses music to interrupt cycles of violence and build youth leadership. A former Philadelphia School Teacher, Matthew was named one of Temple University’s 30 Under 30, and under his leadership Beyond the Bars has been honored with the Philadelphia Prison Program of the Year Award, the Lewis Prize for Music National Systems Change Award, and recognition from both City Council and the Governor of Pennsylvania. At the heart of his work is the belief in student voice, collaborative building, and community-driven change.