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August 01, 2025 - Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Governor Shapiro Highlights Investments in Violence Intervention and Prevention Program to Reduce Crime and Create Opportunities for Young Pennsylvanians

Governor Josh Shapiro met with young people, local educators, community leaders, and elected officials at the Community Education Center in West Philadelphia to talk about the impact of his Administration's investments in community-based violence prevention. The Governor met with students and teachers at Beyond the Bars, a Philadelphia nonprofit that empowers youth through music and leadership development - the program has grown significantly thanks to more than $530,000 in support from the Commonwealth's Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program.


From day one, Governor Shapiro has prioritized public safety and delivered historic resources to both law enforcement and community-based organizations working to reduce violence. Beyond the Bars is one of more than 130 initiatives across Pennsylvania supported through the Commonwealth's Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).



Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_001.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_002.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_001.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_002.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_003.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_004.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_005.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_006.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_007.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_008.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_009.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_010.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_011.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_012.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_013.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_014.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_015.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_016.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_017.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_018.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_019.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_020.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_021.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_022.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_023.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a> Governor Josh Shapiro joined Representative Amen Brown and local community leaders to visit Philadelphias Community Education Center where he met with young people and teachers participating in Beyond the Bars, a student-driven and community-based initiative that uses music education to interrupt cycles of violence. Thanks to the Governors work to increase funding for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program, Beyond the Bars has been able to expand its reach and positively impact more young Pennsylvanians.<br><a href="https://filesource.amperwave.net/commonwealthofpa/photo/28160_gov_pccd_investmentsJF_024.jpg" target="_blank">⇣ Download Photo</a>