In Spring 2025, the Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music & Social Change sponsored 10 UCI students to attend the Breaking IntoThe Music Industry Conference in Indio, California—an inspiring weekend of hands-on learning and exclusive networking with top industry leaders, artists, and mentors.

To combat the 11.3 million tons of textile waste Americans discard annually, the SJF Repair Center project had UC Irvine students launch a dedicated Repair Center where the campus community can learn to fix and upcycle garments instead of throwing them away. By creating a hands-on space for sustainability skills development, this initiative is transforming our campus’s culture around consumption and demonstrating how UC Irvine can model circular economy principles for future students.

In Fall 2024, UCI student musicians brought the healing power of live music to residents of Regents Point Life Plan Community. These concerts not only uplifted spirits but also supported senior well-being, offering stress relief, sparking memories, and fostering meaningful connections through the universal language of music.

Through an innovative partnership with Playing For Change Foundation, the Alec Glasser Center for the Power of Music & Social Change has significantly expanded the music program at Samueli Academy in Santa Ana, California, adding new classes, high-quality instruction, and essential instruments. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for students to thrive, express themselves, and build lasting skills through music.

In July 2024, the Glasser Center accompanied our partner Kakuma Sound—a powerful music collective from five African refugee camps—as they performed to packed crowds at Denmark’s renowned Roskilde Festival. This major nonprofit event celebrates sustainability, community, and musical talent from around the world, offering Kakuma Sound a global platform to share their voice.

Students in our Power of Music & Social Change course brought that spirit to life—creating original songs, videos, poems and artwork that celebrated music’s ability to inspire, unite and spark transformation. The creativity and passion they shared filled the classroom with energy and purpose.

Renowned music executive, educator, and entrepreneur Dr. Mathew Knowles delivered a Distinguished Guest Lecture in our Power of Music & Social Change course, offering students, faculty and staff an inspiring masterclass on visionary leadership and the transformative power of music.

This Fall, we welcome the third cohort of Glasser Music Scholars—10 inspiring UCI students using music to drive positive change through mentorship, collaboration and innovation. They join the growing community at the Glasser Center dedicated to making a lasting impact.