Lighting The Way
Youth Mentoring Program
OFFERING CHILDREN A BRIGHTER FUTURE
"Lighting the Way" is a comprehensive youth mentorship program designed to introduce 5th-grade students aged 10 to 12 from minority communities to various careers in the art and entertainment industries. Through interactive projects and engaging events, participants explore different aspects of arts and culture, develop their creative skills, and gain valuable insights from accomplished creative professionals.
The program consists of bi-weekly site based in-school sessions, each focusing on a specific theme or area within the arts and entertainment industries. These sessions are a blend of workshops, guest speaker presentations, hands-on activities, and group discussions to ensure an interactive and immersive learning experience.
Each session is led by a mentor from the Living Live Foundation's network of talented and experienced artists. Mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and constructive feedback throughout the program. Additionally, participants have access to online resources, reading materials, and virtual workshops to enhance their learning journey further.
2023-2024 School Partner
Barack and Michelle Obama Academy is located in the heart of the Peoplestown Community, just minutes from the historic Grant Park neighborhood, Georgia State Football Stadium, and downtown Atlanta. Peoplestown is named for the Peoples family, who owned 66 lots in the southeast section of the neighborhood as it was developing in the 1890s. It is a community with a rich history and legacy.
Barack & Michelle Obama Academy
[L-R] Living Live founder Jordan Live, vice president Savannah West, and Principal Dr. Robin Christian
"We're elated to bring 'Lighting the Way' to BAMO! Thanks to Principal Christian and her support we’ll be able to empower and nurture the next generation of BIPOC creatives to build a foundation for their future success," said founder Jordan Live.
Impact and Benefits
Cognitive Benefits
Studies have shown that early exposure to the arts enhances children's cognitive abilities, including improved memory, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking.
Children engaged in arts experiences tend to have higher academic achievement, with better performance in subjects like mathematics and language arts.
Emotional Benefits
Participation in the arts can boost children's self-esteem and confidence, leading to a more positive self-identity.
Arts engagement helps children develop emotional intelligence, allowing them to understand and express their feelings better.
Creative expression through arts fosters emotional resilience, helping children of color cope with challenges and adversity.
Social Benefits
Arts programs encourage teamwork and collaboration, promoting positive social interactions among children from diverse backgrounds.
Children involved in arts activities tend to demonstrate improved communication and interpersonal skills.
Arts experiences in diverse settings can help bridge cultural gaps and promote cross-cultural understanding and empathy.
Developing Cultural Identity
Exposure to arts and culture within the context of one's own heritage can strengthen the cultural identity of children of color.
Artistic expression provides a platform for children to explore their cultural roots, leading to increased pride in their heritage.
Long-Term Impact
Early exposure to the arts has been linked to higher rates of college enrollment and completion among children of color.
Arts engagement in childhood can influence career paths, leading some children to pursue creative professions in adulthood.
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Young creatives of color have always had potential. Sometimes all they need is for someone to see it. They need your support!
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“I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way.”
- Whitney Houston