LEAP NYC

BIPOC and women-owned businesses have historically been neglected and undermined, yet in recent years, diverse business growth has soared. At LEAP, we know that encouraging kids from under resourced communities and girls is key to empowering more to have the confidence to believe in themselves, and change the shape the future. In honor of Entrepreneurs' Day, we want to bring attention to some of the business ideas that kids who were part of our Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs program dreamt up! Let's show some love for: ?“NYC Nails” ?“Glossy Beauty” ?“Jewel by Juno” Thanks to LEAP Teaching Artists Danielle Chery and Marc Littlejohn, the students at P.S. 299 are leading the way to a more inclusive, innovative future! #EntrepreneursDay

?? Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with Stunning Mandalas ?? Native American mandalas often symbolize the harmonious relationship between humanity, nature, and spirituality. As part of one of our LEAP Literacy Programs, Teaching Artist Zaria Poem led students from P.S. 268 in a session called “My Family and Other Families, Now and Long Ago. " The students created visual artworks using mixed media materials that explored their own families and those from other parts of the world. Throughout enriching lessons, students explored the mandala crafts that Western Native American families created, using weaving, collage, and watercolor techniques. LEAP partners with school communities to offer creative arts programs that encourage New York City youth to pursue their passions, develop their strengths, and amplify their voices. Lessons like these highlight the importance of lifting up voices, present and past. Learn more about our arts driven programs at https://lnkd.in/eQjCvgwK #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth #NAHM #Mandalas

??We believe that music is a powerful tool for developing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skills. At LEAP, we utilize music in our Literacy Programs to help kids strengthen their ability to recognize emotions, build empathy, and communicate with others.?? By learning to express themselves through music, students gain confidence, develop self-awareness, and practice collaboration - all skills that extend far beyond the classroom! ???? #LEAPNYC #ArtsInEducation #SocialEmotionalLearning

Today, we honor the bravery and sacrifice of our heroes from diverse backgrounds who have served our country. To all veterans: we salute you for your courage, resilience, and commitment! #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans

???? Romare Bearden, an African American artist, used his work to reflect on the Black experience in America. He also advocated for arts education in public schools, believing it was essential for self-expression and cultural understanding. His legacy continues to inspire arts programs that highlight diverse perspectives and histories. ????? #ArtsInEducation #RomareBearden #BIPOCVoices #BlackArtists

?? Happy STEM/STEAM Day! ?? STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math - helps young people connect creative expression with technical skills; preparing them with confidence for the future! ???? Our "Tomorrow’s Entrepreneurs" signature program empowers students to develop and use STEM skills to create ventures that address community needs. Recently Teaching Artist Rasheeda Johnson led kids from P.S. 329, encouraging them to use design thinking, STEAM, and business modeling to bring their ideas to life, presenting them in an Innovation Fair. ? ?? Championing diverse voices and perspectives through the arts builds a stronger, more innovative future for children. STEM learning can intentionally and unintentionally exclude students who are female-identified and/or from communities of color. Our cycle-breaking programs inspire kids of all identities to see a brighter future for themselves. Visit our website to learn more about how we are merging the arts with STEM and creating spaces where every child can envision themselves as future creators, problem-solvers, and leaders. To learn more visit www.leapnyc.org/steam #STEMDay #STEAMDay #ArtsInEducation #STEMDay2024

?? *Lights On Afterschool* Spotlight! ?? ??ACTION: We’re thrilled to feature this video created by kids at M.S. 594 - New Pathways Academy as part of the Lights On Afterschool program!?? It's is one example of how powerful afterschool programs can be in nurturing young minds. And students who are provided with arts education in and after school achieve better academic outcomes. Please join us in celebrating their creativity and continuing to support the arts and helping students thrive! #LightsOnAfterschool #Afterschoolprograms #ArtsEd

Today marks the beginning of Native American Heritage Month - a time when we celebrate the creativity, resilience, and contributions of Native American communities. Indigenous people have celebrated art as a way to preserve their culture and traditions. Through LEAP arts programs, we foster appreciation for their work and encourage learning about the powerful legacies Native American artists who shaped our shared culture. Join us this month as we amplify diverse voices and learn more about arts and Native American Heritage! #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth

?Today, arts education is recognized as vital for developing well-rounded, empathetic, and engaged students. ?Programs like LEAP continue to advocate for equitable access to arts education, ensuring all students, regardless of background, can benefit from creative learning. ?Together, we’re shaping the future of arts education! #ArtsInEducation #EmpowerThroughArt #EquityInEducation

Last week, LEAP leadership Lakimja Mattocks, MPA and Gineyda Diaz attended the Asana Work Innovation Summit! They learned more about the platform, had insightful conversations about strategic planning and the current state of work, and heard from inspiring speakers such as 3X Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas and Asana COO Anne Raimondi. As an employer of almost 300 artists, we strive to be a driver of positive workplace culture. Were you at the conference? Let us know your thoughts! @asana #AsanaWIS24