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of their choice, which becomes their own after three years of use. Most <br />importantly, collegiate mentors act as positive role models for low-income <br />youth. They teach critical skills that music education provides, such as time <br />management, discipline, creativity, and dedication. <br />The organization was founded as a student organization at UNC in 2002 <br />and now has chapters operating at five North Carolina universities (as well <br />as two out-of-state chapters in New Hampshire and New York). The <br />national office is based in Carrboro, NC. <br />Over 300 student/mentor pairs participate each semester. 75% of the <br />families served are low-income, and 66% of the children enrolled are <br />people of color. 100% of the families surveyed indicated they could not <br />afford music lessons without ME programming. <br />Our Mission- Creating equitable access to music education by pairing <br />children with college mentors to inspire resilience and confidence through <br />free one-on-one music lessons. <br />Our Vision- A world where music is a catalyst for all children to unlock their <br />unique potential. Therefore, our goals are to: <br />-Promote access to music education for communities with underfunded <br />music programs. <br />-Foster the development of creativity, discipline, and confidence in children <br />from marginalized backgrounds, giving them the tools they need to excel in <br />their future endeavors. <br />-Forge mentorship between college students and youth in their respective <br />communities by creating a space where people from diverse backgrounds <br />can learn from each other. <br />-Collaborate with other music and arts organizations, university programs, <br />and businesses to harness social capital and meet the growing demand for <br />music education. <br />Our Values- ME believes in: <br />-the intrinsic power of music to transform lives <br />-the importance of mentorship to inspire greatness <br />-investing in our children to unlock their unique potential <br />-compassion, respect, and dignity toward all <br />-the importance of personal and institutional accountability and discipline <br />Team - ME has two full-time staff members; both are women (50% of the <br />group identifies as BIPOC). W e are proud to have a diverse board of <br />seven directors. The National Board Chair and 42% of the directors are <br />BIPOC. The board comprises four women (57%) and three men with ages <br />varying from grad student to retiree. Diverse lived experiences of ME <br />board members include low-income childhood, single parent(s), and first- <br />generation college graduate(s). 100% of our board members are donors <br />committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion at ME. <br />Has your <br />organization <br />undergone any <br />Diversity, Equity, and <br />ME is dedicated to equitable access to music education for elementary <br />through high school-aged children regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, <br />socioeconomic status, religious background, sexual orientation and <br />identity, academic standing, or musical abilities. W e serve children from <br />DocuSign Envelope ID: 1CE7D3D4-8880-485E-B217-1C4B1D9CD9B0