Project Grant

Youth outcome: Youth participants build a greater sense of pride in their self-identity, as well as respect for others, through intentional projects on diversity, equity and inclusion that empower them to become a voice for peace and change through the arts. This proposal will increase access to the arts by serving at-risk youth in the most under-served areas of our community, 95% of whom are eligible for free or reduced lunches at school, which is the measure of poverty we use. We will take daily attendance in our programs using an internally developed database called Odyssey. We measure the success of our intended outcomes by asking our youth to take an online survey three times per year. This survey has been adapted to ensure that questions are included that measure the above intended outcome. Questions include the following: Questions include: Check if you did any of the following in class (check all that apply). I asked questions. I made a plan before starting my work. I helped to solve a problem. I tried something that didn't work. I did something for the first time. I used my imagination to solve a problem. I listened to someone else's ideas. I gave feedback on someone's work. I was patient with someone in my group. I showed respect or understanding when someone's feelings were different than my own. I was able to share or speak in front of a group. I did some writing in class. I improved my writing/reading skills by writing and/or reading in class. I improved my math skills by using math in class. I learned about a different culture. I made friends with someone from a different culture. I was able to share something about my culture. I was part of a group or team. I worked on managing my feelings. I became more aware of how my body moves. I made a friend. I was able to share about my culture and background. I was able to do a project that shows who I am as a person (my self-identity). I participated in conversations about culture, race, tradition and heritage. I participated in conversations about my feelings during the pandemic. I participated in conversations about equality and other hot topics. I was able to do a project that helped me work on my feelings. Because of this class, I am (check all that apply): I am more confident. I am more aware of my feelings. I am more proud of my self-identity. I can be a voice for change. I am more comfortable doing art. I feel like my art is meaningful.