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DocuSign Envelope ID:CDB6E7B1-56AF-4CA1-97EO-1BEOFD7D9DBA <br /> Organization North Carolina Arts in Action (NC AIA) uses dance, music and <br /> Description performance to instill self-esteem, perseverance, and excellence in <br /> children. NC AIA is an internationally acclaimed in-school, curriculum <br /> based, performing arts program for elementary students. As an <br /> associate of the National Dance Institute (NDI) in New York, the <br /> program is directed at developing life skills such as self-esteem, <br /> teamwork, and focus among students, particularly those who are <br /> underserved. We provide dance teaching from trained instructors, <br /> live music, and allow students rigorous exercise. NC AIA benefits 13 <br /> schools across Durham, Orange, Chatham and Wake counties and <br /> directly serves more than 1,300 children this year. NC AIA works with <br /> every child in the fourth grade at each school. A Lead <br /> Teacher/Choreographer, Musician, and Assistant Teacher lead every <br /> class. NC AIA reaches diverse low-income communities, and its <br /> partner schools are Title I. Since 2005, NC AIA has reached over <br /> 9,000 North Carolina students through direct instruction. More than <br /> just another dance education program, NC AIA motivates children to <br /> believe in themselves, provides an environment with professional <br /> expectations, yet the nurturing and encouragement to develop a <br /> personal standard of excellence. Teachers report that students who <br /> struggle in a traditional classroom gain confidence and increase their <br /> ability to focus. <br /> Implementing NC AIA in Title I schools is in direct response to a <br /> community need. School administrators believe that the NC AIA <br /> program enhances student learning. Rashkis Elementary's program <br /> assists Rashkis' underserved population. Rashkis has 502 children <br /> with these demographics: 29%are Asian; 11%are Hispanic; 14%are <br /> Black; 42%are White; 0.52%are American Indian; and 3%are two or <br /> more races, and 36% participate in the Free And Reduced Lunch <br /> program. Our staff of 4 full time and 11 contract employees includes <br /> 1 Hispanic, 4 Black and 10 white employees. Our board of 14 includes <br /> 2 Hispanic, 2 Black, and 10 white members, and one member of the <br /> LGBT community. <br /> NC AIA uses dance and music to define a standard of excellence <br /> through active movement, intellectual stimulation and artistic <br /> expression to build essential life skills children can carry into school <br /> and throughout life. One teacher reported, "Students who struggled <br /> academically were able to "shine" in NC AIA. This self-esteem that <br /> had been lacking started to spread into their academics, and they no <br /> longer gave up easily or considered themselves unable to do <br /> assignments." NC AIA's in-school program provides four months of <br /> weekly dance instruction to fourth grade students culminating in a <br /> full-scale performance for the entire school and community. The <br /> program's distinctive features are using dance as a medium to teach <br /> life skills; professional teaching artists trained in the NDI pedagogy <br /> teach the children; and an accompanist plays live music in every <br /> session! Arts in Action's expertise is teaching children how to find <br /> excellence in themselves and enhancing their learning experience in <br /> the classroom. The residency is an inclusive program — every child <br /> participates, regardless of social background, abilities or talent. <br />