LEARNCultivating experiences through integrated arts education.
With grant funds, students will receive enrichment in multiple STEAM programs. Many of our students come from the local neighborhood. With the funds received, we can enrich the students' arts infused education by offering more opportunities within our academies. Our student population is comprised of: 40.7% self-identified as Hispanic 9.3% self-identified as Black 7.6% self-identified as mixed with 1 or more races. TOTAL 57.6% students of color. 59% Socioeconomically Disadvantaged 4.2% English Learners .7% Foster Youth Thank you!
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
K-12 STEAM Education
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
San Fernando Valley
County of Los Angeles
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Expand existing project, program, or initiative
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
CHAMPS Charter High School of the Arts is located in a rented office building in a low-income area of Van Nuys, CA. Students receive excellent core curriculum classes as well as enrichment courses through our academies, however, there is no green space, congregational areas, nor a theater for our students. We are in the process of creating an outdoor lunch area that can function as a meeting area and an outdoor theater. Although we lack the funds to purchase an awning, preferably with a slide wire, we are attempting to complete this much needed area for our students. Many of our students don't have the ability to pay for enrichment courses. By attending our tuition-free public charter high school, students are offered enrichment programs within the school day. Whether it be within the arts, engineering, game design, music, drama and more, they are integrating core curriculum with classes that help them to find their passion for their future careers.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
The grant would enable us to complete our outdoor area. We still need shade covering, a sound system and lighting system to perform shows and allow students to hold meetings.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
Students that are given access to enrichment in the arts, media and engineering within their school day, are more likely to find a career that would sustain them for life. We want our students to have access to creative learning opportunities that can be attained with financial assistance. Students who enjoy their curriculum, whether it be in their chosen academy or core curriculum courses, are more likely to stay in school and aspire to higher learning opportunities. We want to foster the belief in our youth that any student, no matter what economic or ethnic background that they came from, can achieve for themselves and their families. They can make a great impact for their community and be a great role models for future generations.
What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?
The creation of our outdoor lunch area and theater is a project that we have been working towards completing for a few years. We are close to completion now, although the project took a long time due to the exterior walls needing to be retrofitted for safety. With the ability to hold shows, give the students a safe-place to enjoy lunch and meet, and hold assemblies, we will see increased socialization among the student body. In the past years, we have been able to monitor and assist the students to apply for grants that they may be eligible for merit, talent, grades, volunteering, track graduates college and trade school admissions, who continues their education by applying for grad school,
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 500
Indirect Impact: 5,000