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School Board Member Luisa Santos proffered agenda item B-3, recognizing District 9 support programs during the School Board meeting of July 24.
Community outreach programs are dedicated advocates for community enrichment, fostering growth and empowerment among Miami-Dade County’s students and families.
Over the years, these programs have championed initiatives both in and out of the classroom aimed at addressing critical community needs, enhancing educational opportunities, and promoting inclusive environments.
It takes a village to give students the highest quality education and organizations such as The Armour Dance Theatre, YMCA of South Florida, FIU After-School All-Stars, Recapturing the Vision, and Be Strong International have been integral in providing essential resources, mentorship, and support to students, families, and community members alike.
Established in 1949, Armour Dance Theatre harnesses the transformative potential of exceptional dance training to ensure every student achieves his/her fullest potential.
Dedicated to creating educational and professional pathways for Miami-Dade County’s youth through dance study and performance, Armour Dance Theatre serves over 1,000 students annually across six sites, offering more than 600 scholarships.
By delivering high-quality dance education and supportive services, they cultivate essential life skills, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of belonging among students, Armour Dance Theatre stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity in Miami-Dade County, empowering youth through the study of dance.
With a legacy spanning over 176 years, the YMCA, also known as Y, embarked on its journey in South Florida through the establishment of the YMCA of South Florida. Dedicated to instilling its core values of nurturing a healthy spirit, mind, and body to over 4,000 children and youth across sixty program sites annually.
From inclusive programs available to students with disabilities to providing crucial resources for underprivileged families, the Y exemplifies the transformative impact of community-driven initiatives. In the past three decades, YMCA initiatives have positively impacted more than 60,000 children in Miami-Dade County, inspiring them to flourish at every stage of life.
Through the creation of meaningful collaborations with numerous community members, including local schools, the Y cultivates safe and supportive environments that benefit families.
Founded in 1992, FIU After-School All-Stars is part of a national organization dedicated to providing free after-school support for underserved students attending Title 1 schools.
In South Florida, the After-School All-Stars chapter has been deeply involved with Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) students for more than 25 years, supporting 80,000 students through after-school and summer camp programs. Strengthening their commitment to enhancing services, they have forged a strong partnership with FIU, extending their influence to high schools throughout M-DCPS.
Thanks to Sean Prospect, FIU After-School All-Stars actively strives to identify and nurture each student’s individual passions by integrating their interests with customized academic support, enrichment activities, personal wellness initiatives, and exploration of college and career pathways. This approach to student engagement helps children succeed in school and in life, making a significant difference in the lives of countless students and educators alike.
For nearly 30 years, Recapturing the Vision has transformed lives and strengthened families with a steadfast commitment to empowerment and growth. Through impactful programs focused on communication, problem- solving, and fostering successful relationships, they ensure every child enters school healthy and safe. Initiatives like the Family Mentoring Weekend program have served 100 at-risk families, offering retreats with financial literacy workshops and conflict resolution activities.
The founder of the program, Dr. Del Rosario, continues to inspire the community, empowering individuals to dream again, one person at a time.
In the 1980s, Althea McMillan, a former M-DCPS teacher, witnessed the challenges faced by youth in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, including high rates of school dropout due to early pregnancies, a cycle she herself had overcome. Motivated to break these cycles, she founded Be Strong International, dedicated to providing holistic education and resources to youth and families.
Through focused programs on healthy relationship education, Be Strong International equips individuals with essential skills to thrive academically and personally. By fostering resilience and offering effective relationship tools, the organization transforms communities, guiding families to healthier emotional pathways and creating opportunities for a brighter future.
To read the full item, visit https://luisasantos.com/priorities/.
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