| This executive position paper examined the need for an arts based afterschool program for youth in the city of Wilmington, DE, in order to prevent and decrease violent behavior among juveniles. Afterschool programs offer youth safe and positive environments with opportunities for growth in many areas; socially, emotionally, academically, and physically. Crime rates in Wilmington, Delaware are particularly high amongst juveniles. At risk youth in Wilmington, Delaware need a safe environment, where they can be productive. Arts based activities are therapeutic, allowing the opportunity for people to express themselves. The development of the innate gifts and talents of youth can help increase self-exploration, self-esteem, and self-worth, as youth learn about elements of their purpose and destiny. The Arise Academy of the Arts will enhance the academic, social, and creative skills of participants through afterschool programming and summer camps while contributing to the decrease in crime rates among youth in Wilmington, DE. Two factors motivate the creation and implementation of Arise Academy of the Arts: (1) crime rates in Wilmington, Delaware, and (2) decrease in funding and staffing for arts programs in K-12 schools. |
