Dance Programs Empowering Youth

The DEA Youth Dance Program has launched several new programs to meet the growing needs of communities around the United States. And, while we are thrilled to reach these new regions, our waitlist continues to grow to over one hundred locations.  New programs have begun in Baltimore, MD, Dallas, TX, Lima, OH, Dallas, TX, and Monterey, CA. Two additional programs will begin in Sioux City, IA and Tampa, FL by the end of April. These six new programs alone will reach thousands of children through assembly performances and 150 students in ten-week dance class series.

Here’s what a few of our principals had to say about the program:

• “The opportunity to have a positive program built on the foundation of dance for our students will leave a lasting impact on their entire academic experience. The buzz that was generated after our opening assembly was so strong and uplifting in our building felt by all staff and students in attendance.” –Matt Quatman, Assistant Principal Lima North Middle

• “Thank you again for your efforts in helping me organize this amazing assembly!  The kids are still talking about it!  I am truly looking forward to working with you and your amazingly talented dancers in the future. Never dreamed so many DEA officers would be at our school at one time.  You certainly made a wonderful impression on everyone!”  

           -Wendy Cottrell, Principal Our Lady of Victory School

The DEA Youth Dance Program, one of the largest programs under the DEA Educational Foundation, brings students dance as a positive and healthy alternative to drugs in 26 cities. In many of the cities, DEA field offices have gotten involved by having special agents coming out to visit and support students, and often speak to the children about the dangers of drugs to their bodies and to our society. 

As we look forward to summer, we are thrilled that DEA Youth Dance Program students have been invited to again perform as part of National Dance Day in July and that dozens of students will begin scholarships in dance throughout the United States.

Thank you to all of our supporters through Global Giving! We couldn’t reach our goals without you!

Links:

• DEA Educational Foundation

• YDP Article, Lima, OH (PDF)