Empowering Foster Youth Through Art and Expression
Art transforms. It has the power to inspire, heal, and give voice to those who need it most. Yet, for many youth in the foster care system and underserved students in South Puget Sound, access to quality arts education remains a challenge.
That’s why Arts Corps is stepping up. Through its Artists in Residence program, in partnership with Amara Family Services, Arts Corps provides free, culturally engaging arts classes tailored to the needs of youth in Amara’s programs. In 2025, Believe in Me proudly awarded $5,000 to Arts Corps, supporting its mission to nurture creativity, confidence, and connection for over 375 youth.
Expanding Arts Access: A Pathway to Growth and Connection
Overcoming Barriers to Creativity
Underserved students, especially youth in child welfare systems, often lack access to arts education, a crucial outlet for emotional and intellectual development.
According to the National Endowment for the Arts, youth involved in arts programs are 5x more likely to graduate high school and show greater academic engagement.
Arts as a Tool for Healing and Growth
Creative expression helps youth process trauma, build resilience, and develop critical thinking skills.
A study by The Arts Education Partnership found that participation in arts programs improves social-emotional skills, empowering youth to navigate life’s challenges.
Arts Corps: Revolutionizing Arts Education
Mission and Vision
Their Mission: Arts Corps revolutionizes arts education by igniting the creative power of young people through culturally engaging learning experiences.
Their Vision: We work toward a world where barriers to arts education no longer exist and all young people can creatively lead the transformation of schools, neighborhoods, and beyond.
Core Values in Action
Equity: Ensuring every child has access to transformative arts experiences regardless of background.
Community: Fostering collaboration and connection among students, families, and educators.
Creativity: Inspiring youth to explore their potential and express their authentic selves.
Artists in Residence: Creativity in Action
Program Overview
The Artists in Residence program, offered in collaboration with Amara Family Services, provides innovative arts education across two key locations:
Amara Youth Drop-In Center: Weekly drop-in sessions for ages 11–18, featuring visual arts, audio recording, and instrument exploration.
Ford Middle School Residencies: After-school programs offering mixed media, graphic design, spoken word, and audio tech, tailored to students’ interests.
Program Goals
In 2025, we will engage 375 youth in free, high-quality arts classes that build critical skills such as critical thinking, focus, self-awareness, and creativity. These programs will foster personal growth and celebrate student achievements through community events that showcase their work.
$5,000 in Action: Expanding Access and Opportunity
How the Grant Will Be Used
$1,500 for supplies and instruction at Amara Youth Drop-In Center
$1,500 for supplies and instruction at Ford Middle School
$2,000 for culminating youth showcases and community events
Impact of the Funding
Empower 375 youth to explore their creativity at no cost.
Foster a supportive environment where students feel valued and inspired.
Provide the tools and resources needed for meaningful artistic expression.
The Ripple Effect: Why Arts Education Matters
Fostering Lifelong Skills
Arts programs enhance problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills that benefit youth beyond the classroom.
Studies show that students in arts programs are 20% more likely to feel connected to their peers and communities.
Building Inclusive Communities
Arts Corps programs are designed to foster inclusive spaces where youth from diverse backgrounds can come together to connect, share their unique stories, and build meaningful, lasting relationships. These programs celebrate the richness of cultural diversity and personal experiences by encouraging open dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding. Through the arts, students find a shared language of creativity that transcends differences, fostering a sense of belonging and community. This inclusive environment not only strengthens social bonds but also empowers youth to see the value in their voices while appreciating the perspectives of others, helping to cultivate empathy, acceptance, and unity.
Believe in Me & Arts Corps: A Partnership for Change
Believe in Me’s mission to empower marginalized youth aligns seamlessly with Arts Corps’ dedication to providing inclusive arts education. Together, we are committed to creating opportunities for young people to thrive, ensuring they have the support and resources to realize their potential.
This $5,000 grant from Believe in Me strengthens Arts Corps’ capacity to expand its reach, serving even more youth—particularly youth in foster care and students in South Puget Sound. By nurturing creativity, connection, and self-expression, this partnership develops safe, supportive spaces where young people can explore their artistic talents, share their voices, and develop vital skills for personal growth. Through this collaboration, we are amplifying access to arts education and empowering youth to build confidence, form meaningful connections, and discover the power of their creativity to transform their lives and communities.
Help Us Spark Creativity in Youth
How You Can Help
Donate: Your contributions can help expand programs like Arts Corps’ Artists in Residence.
Volunteer: Share your time, skills, or resources to support transformative arts education. Learn more about Arts Corps Volunteers Opportunities https://artscorps.org/volunteer/
Spread the Word: Share this blog to inspire others to invest in the power of art for youth.
Visit Arts Corps (https://www.artscorps.org/) to learn more and support their impactful programs.
Empowering Futures Through Creativity
With this $5,000 grant, Believe in Me empowers Arts Corps to expand inclusive arts education for youth in foster care and underserved students in South Puget Sound. This collaboration fuels creativity, builds confidence, and fosters meaningful connections, helping young people realize their potential and reimagine their futures. Together, we’re ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive through the transformative power of the arts. To learn more about the nonprofits we support and how you can get involved, visit believeinme.org/youth-empowerment.
