THE POWER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION

The Creative Coaches program connects over 33,000 Des Moines Public School students with community mentors through specialized programming. It fosters a collaborative environment where young thinkers receive personalized guidance from professional mentors, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. By engaging with schools to identify students' interests, the program establishes tailored Creative Coaches Clubs, enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and social-emotional well-being through unique learning opportunities and mentorship.

These programs enhance youth's critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and social-emotional well-being through unique learning opportunities and mentorship. We aim to empower young minds from all backgrounds, fostering a community of belonging and creativity that transcends traditional standards.

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STUDENT TAKEAWAYS

  • HIP-HOP 101

    "This class is the only class that I know of that'll help me express myself, because they don't tell us how to do it. They show what to do and let us do it. It's important to have someone that looks like me as a Creative Coach because it helps me feel more comfortable."

    - McCombs Middle School

  • UKULELE

    "I learned ukuleles and I learned about you. I learned that we’re very smart and very good at this. I actually really love 'Lean on Me.' I can play that now."

    - Lovejoy Elementary

  • HIP-HOP 101

    "This class helps me express my authentic self because I can write lyrics about me, about who I am."

    - McCombs Middle School
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BUILDING FOUNDATIONS OF ACCESS AND REPRESENTATION

We actively engage with schools to identify students' interests and learning needs, facilitating connections with specialized artists and mentors to establish tailored Creative Coaches Clubs, ensuring that youth receive personalized guidance and opportunities aligned with their passions and aspirations. 

COACH TESTIMONIALS

  • "...because school doesn't always offer the same creative curriculums that kids may be interested in."

    "Being a Creative Coach has been dope because it's given me the opportunity to give back resources that I feel like I lacked when I was a kid. Being able to be in the classroom with kids and being able to touch an interest of theirs that they don't get on a day-to-day basis is extremely important, because school doesn't always offer the same creative curriculums that kids may be interested in."

    ANTHONY MALDONADO,
    Creative Coach

  • "It is truly commendable to witness her dedication to ensuring that every student feels valued and empowered."

    "The enthusiasm expressed by students for Fuzzy Club is a testament to Zakariyah's impact. Their eagerness to participate highlights the meaningful experiences they have under her guidance as she effortlessly connects with students who may not typically come together, fostering a sense of inclusivity and camaraderie within the group.

    She caters to students of all skill levels, which has played a significant role in the continuous growth of the club. It is truly commendable to witness her dedication to ensuring that every student feels valued and empowered."

    TORRIE TOWNSELL, Community Coordinator, McCombs Middle School

  • "The experience of creative coaching has been very fulfilling and inspiring for me."

    The experience of creative coaching has been very fulfilling and inspiring for me. I definitely feel like I'm walking in my purpose with this. I didn't have opportunities like this when I was younger, and I'm even in the same middle school that I went to back in 6th grade, sitting in detention after school. I'm able to give these kids something else to do rather than get in trouble and it's a choice for them to be there, so they're locked in and creative. We're building for real.

    DOM RUSSELL    , Creative Coach