Casandra speaks of the importance of culminating experiences with the arts and describes artistic instruction as she oversees the arts programs in their organization’s 17 Clubs. Each Club has their own programs and studios, with many different shared resources. Casandra explains the many community partnerships that they are able to collaborate with across the span of the entire community. These partnerships have allowed for career exploration that provide both enrichment and entrepreneurship opportunities, showcasing that employment opportunities can also leverage a passion.
Recently, a Club member had a winning image for the National Photography Contest. They recorded an interview with the young artist and, through that discussion, she finally understood the level of importance of her accomplishment. Casandra explains three main impacts she has seen through programming at the Club: self expression, providing youth leadership opportunities and career connections, and providing safe spaces for youth to be innovators.