For the past seven years, I have directed a program for at-risk students at the school where I teach. The program was based on research on what makes at-risk programs successful or unsuccessful and is funded primarily through grants and donations. “What’s On Stage” provides an after-school, small group setting in which to expose at-risk students to cultural and arts-based events and activities, while expanding their language and technology skills and knowledge. Students are involved in cultural experiences and activities that they are typically excluded from due to their socio-economic status such as concerts, plays, art exhibits, sporting events, drama and dance workshops, hands-on art activities, photography, gardening, and other similar activities. The students are given an opportunity to experience the unfamiliar in a non-threatening manner with a high degree of success. By using both adult and peer mentors, the [Read More]