Dance Programs Empowering Youth

In light of the opioid crisis, we now more than ever need to reach kids through positive prevention programs. Drug overdoses are now the leading cause of death for Americans under 50, with a 50% increase in overdose fatalities for 25 - 34 year olds*. This staggering and sobering statistic is why we continue to work so hard to offer free dance classes to at-risk and under-served young people through the DEA Youth Dance Program. As a contracted partner with the DEA 360 Strategy program (a comprehensive approach to combatting heroin and opioid drug abuse bridging local, state and national resources), we are reaching more kids with the power of dance. Most of these areas are in critical need of after-school programming, and we are working to raise funds to continue offering the YDP in these schools beyond our one-year of support through DEA 360.

To this end, we are thrilled to be mid-way through a successful One Step at a Time campaign, reaching kids in nearly 50 cities. There is more work to do, however, to continue providing high-quality, positive, and inspiring dance programming. We appreciate your ongoing support of our cause through your donations, and we ask that you consider promoting The DEA Educational Foundation Youth Dance Program on your social media by tagging: @deaedfoundation. With your help, we can reach even more kids with the power of dance as an alternative to risky behaviors, and increase their self-confidence in the face of peer pressure.

*https://www.justice.gov/opa/speech/deputy-attorney-general-rod-j-rosenstein-delivers-remarks-dea-fentanyl-guidance

Fall is our favorite season here at the DEA YDP – it’s during these months that we get to share the joy and power of dance to new students all across the country! Our regional managers have been hard at work setting up and attending assemblies, booking professional dance companies and instructors, and registering hundreds of students for free after-school dance classes. In many cities, DEA agents have attended assemblies to speak with kids about the importance of a healthy, drug-free body and mind. Our fabulous trainer has been meeting with instructors from Boston, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Salt Lake (as well as several other cities through video conference) to introduce best practices in the classroom and new ways of delivering our message of positive alternatives to drugs and violence.

All of this would not be possible without your continued support of the DEA Youth Dance Program. We are so excited to be offering programming in dozens of cities to reach new students with an opportunity to learn dance and teamwork, build self-confidence, and have a safe place to go in those critical after-school hours. This year, we continue our partnership with DEA 360, a comprehensive approach to the opioid and heroin crisis bridging DEA, local law enforcement, education and community partners like the DEA Youth Dance Program. We had an exciting DEA 360 launch in Salt Lake City last week, with three new schools attending assemblies to watch our dance company partner, Samba Fogo, wow students with live Brazilian drumming and dance.

Throughout the next month, more launch assemblies will take place, more students will register, and more instructors will be in classrooms teaching dance and encouraging students to make positive, healthy life choices. We will continue to advocate for at-risk and under-served youth to receive high-quality arts education as an alternative to drugs and violence. Please join us in support of young people across the nation by making a donation, sharing our cause on social media, or telling a friend about the DEA Youth Dance Program. Together, we can make a difference!