Adrian Cantero always had something to say. At 17, his creativity was undeniable — but school didn’t feel like the right place to express it.
Like many teens navigating complex life circumstances, Adrian needed more than instruction. He needed someone to see his potential — and a reason to believe in it.
That came in the form of a challenge: raise your grades, and you’ll earn studio time. That simple, motivating offer from David’s Harp Foundation set Adrian on a new path.
“I didn’t know my grades mattered that much until that opportunity was put in front of me,” he said.
Today, he’s a professional music producer with tracks on the Billboard Top 10 and mentors the next generation through the very program that helped him thrive.
CBS 8 recently sat down with Adrian and David’s Harp Foundation founder, Brandon Steppe, to learn more. Watch the full story below.
Walking ‘Through the Mud’ Together
Founded by Steppe in his family’s garage, David’s Harp Foundation offers a space where young people are encouraged to lead with their creativity, not their circumstances. What started as a homegrown music studio has grown into a vibrant media arts center in the heart of San Diego, where youth facing systemic barriers — like foster care, housing insecurity, or involvement in the justice system — find a sense of belonging, purpose and tools for the future.
“To be here and link arms with a trusted adult and mentor, and to go on that journey together – we call that walking through the mud together,” Steppe said.
Through hands-on training in music production, video editing and graphic design – students learn in-demand creative skills, but the deeper impact is personal. David’s Harp Foundation is a space where youth can feel safe to express themselves through their art, innovation and storytelling.
“There is no better feeling than watching a young person step in and accomplish something that they dreamed of accomplishing,” he said.
Unrestricted Support Fuels Community-Led Impact
In 2023, David’s Harp Foundation was one of 10 organizations to receive a $150,000 unrestricted grant from the Jay Kahn Endowment at San Diego Foundation – a gift that reflects the trust in the organization’s leadership and approach to its work. Unrestricted funding allows community-based nonprofits, like David’s Harp Foundation, to serve their community outside of rigid program requirements.
This flexibility allows David’s Harp to work with young people whose needs vary by their specific situation. Whether it’s offering studio time in exchange for academic progress or building a job pipeline within the creative industry, the organization can better tailor its programs around the strengths and aspirations of each young person.
As Adrian’s journey shows, when given the right tools and relationships, young people can not only meet expectations – they can exceed them.
Celebrating 50 Years of Building a Stronger San Diego
David’s Harp Foundation didn’t just help Adrian find his voice — it helped him amplify it. Now, he’s doing the same for others.
As San Diego Foundation celebrates its 50th anniversary and its Fifty & Forward campaign that will grant $500 million to realize our region’s greatest opportunities in three key areas: education, children and families, and the environment – and raising $1 billion to help shape our community’s future, stories like Adrian’s serve as powerful reminders of why local philanthropy matters.
“We think this is the difference that kids need in their lives,” said Michelle Jaramillo, SDF Director of Education Initiatives.
To date, SDF has granted more than $1.8 billion to nonprofits across San Diego County. This includes the historic $116 million gift from Jay Kahn in 2023.
Learn more about Education Initiatives at San Diego Foundation.
