Foundation FM Launch Free DJ Summer School: Applications Now Open

Specifically designed to support women, queer and non-binary people - including trans women and men - Foundation FM's free summer DJ school is for those who are ready to start their DJ journey. Consisting of three workshops, a final showcase, and a 1:1 mentorship call, this programme will ensure participants gain the tools, confidence and support required to begin DJing in an inclusive, community-rooted space. 

We caught up with Foundation FM as they gear up for the launch of this new programme to discuss their ongoing work, and how Beatport's Diversity + Parity Fund helped this project come to life.

Foundation FM: Building a More Inclusive Future for DJs 

At foundation.fm, we’re all about opening doors for women, queer, and non-binary DJs who have been overlooked for way too long. We launched back in 2018 because we were tired of seeing the same people on line-ups and hearing the same voices in the industry. There’s so much talent out there that just isn’t getting the opportunities they deserve - so we decided to do something about it. Since then, we’ve grown into a full-on community. We’ve had DJs play worldwide with PinkPantheress and Rex Orange County, our presenters have gone on to BBC Radio 1, Apple Music, and Capital Xtra, and we’ve worked with brands like Nike, Converse, and Urban Outfitters. But at the heart of it all, we’re still just a bunch of people who love music and want to make things fairer for the next generation.

What We’re Doing with the Beatport Fund 

With Beatport’s Diversity and Parity Fund, we’re launching the Foundation DJ School - free workshops, mentorship, and hands-on training to help more women, queer, and non-binary DJs level up. We know that talent isn’t the problem - access is. DJing can feel like an exclusive club, especially if you don’t have the money for gear, the right connections, or the confidence to put yourself forward. This school is about breaking down those barriers and giving people the tools and experience they need to actually get booked. We’ll be working with venues and nightlife spaces to make sure students aren’t just learning in a bubble - they’re getting real-world experience and meeting the right people.

What We’ve Done & Where We’re Going 

Since we started, we’ve: 
• Given over 5000 DJs, artists, and presenters a platform to showcase their work. 
• Thrown events and radio takeovers across the UK and Europe, making sure line-ups actually reflect the people on the dance floor. 
• Supported up-and-coming talent who’ve gone on to play huge festivals, get national radio shows, and start their own creative projects. 
• The Foundation DJ School is our way of pushing things even further. We don’t just want to give people opportunities - we want to set them up for lasting careers.

Why This Matters 

There’s still a huge lack of safer spaces and real representation in nightlife. The same people still dominate line-ups, and for women, queer, and non-binary DJs, breaking through can feel impossible. But we also see a shift happening. More people are pushing for change, and more communities are creating space for new talent. 

For us, success isn’t about numbers, it’s about impact. If even one DJ walks away from this feeling ready to own their space behind the decks, that’s a win. If we can build a strong network where artists support each other, that’s a win. If we can help reshape the industry into something that actually reflects the people who love dance music, then we’re doing what we set out to do. Massive thanks to Beatport for backing this vision.

Applications are open now for Foundation FM's free summer DJ school. Click the relevant city to apply: London, Bristol and Manchester (applications close Thursday 26th June).