Austin Soundwaves is an El Sistema-inspired music education program that helps more than 300 youth in grades 1-12 develop skills to support creative, social, and academic success. The Austin Soundwaves program eliminates financial and cultural barriers so that students and their families can access a high-quality music education program at their school. Programming consists of ensemble musical training along with specialized individual instruction and mentoring. 100 percent of Austin Soundwaves students have graduated high school and gone on to college. More than 500 students have participated in the program since 2011.