Fortify the AAI Youth Education Program Against Future Threats to Funding
In today’s uncertain funding environment, we are facing a critical challenge to sustain our free after-school Youth Program we offer to over 150 students, ages 11-18. As public funding becomes increasingly precarious at the national level, we are deeply concerned about the future of this program and the impact it will have on the students who depend on it.
For over 25 years, AAI has been a beacon of opportunity for youth in the School District of Philadelphia, empowering youth deemed “at-risk” (e.g. ELL students, immigrants, low-income), by providing a supportive network and creative tools to navigate identity, relationships, academics, and leadership. The youth engage with professional artists, activists, and other community organizations, as part of their social justice focused curriculum. For the High School program, students receive free mentorship and coaching on workforce readiness and post-secondary transitions, preparing them for future career paths and academic success.
On average, our daily class sizes are 35 students, and the cost of providing this life-changing support is significant: it costs approximately $470 per student for the summer program and $2,350 per student for the entire academic year. We have been supporting these students through grants and city funding, guaranteeing the program free of charge to families. But if we lose this support, we’ll face tough decisions that may jeopardize the program’s future.
This is where you come in.
Your donation can make an immediate and lasting impact on the lives of these young people. You will be helping us pay for the safe space for students to come after-school, unparalleled curriculum, and our irreplaceable teachers–who are multilingual and provide academic tutoring, a significant resource for first-generation immigrant students.
Be part of our Campaign!
GOAL: $30,000
This campaign will run from May through August, 2025, and will include smaller activations/campaigns, to pay for specific programs:
May 9th, AAI Benefit Supporting Youth Education– A goal of $20,000 will pay for Youth Ed staff and supplies, core costs of the Program. YLI students will have available their artwork for sale at the Benefit. Get tickets here.
Youth Leadership Initiative’s Annual Field Trip Fundraiser– YLI will plan and execute a Shark Tank-style pitch to secure funding for a self-funded enrichment trip. This experience challenges students to demonstrate their organizational and persuasive abilities while working toward a common goal.
Youth Leadership Initiative Communications Team– Self identifying youth journalists, photographers, writers and editors will take over the AAI news channels and create content for a digital fundraising campaign this summer overseen by AAI Staff.
Art Vending Opportunities– The AAI staff continues to look for Youth Art vending opportunities – please let us know if you can host them at your business or next event! Please email: [email protected]
End of the School Year Celebration– can include a Student exhibition which will include but not limited to visual art, multimedia art, performances (in person or digital), or showcase of a community project. Stay tuned to find out more!
We cannot do this without you. Please help us continue to provide a critical environment for youth in our community. Every donation counts, and together, we can ensure that these programs continue to serve the youth who need them most.
