Strikers Youth Arts Project, Inc

The vision of Strikers Youth Arts Project, Inc (SYAP) is to coordinate our efforts with other profit and non-profit organizations in providing enriching initiatives that will generate funds for cultural arts programs; provide scholarships to youth who aspire to attend college; Core Values-Respect, Honor, Innovation, Teamwork and Patience. The mission of SYAP is to provide enrichment services for the youth through year-round arts education and athletic programs, access to technology for educational tutorial services, and coordinating events to showcase artistic talent for the community at large. History: Strikers Dance Troupe (SDT) was established February 25, 1989 as a community and collegiate dance organization on the campus of Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. SDT exists as an outlet for dancers as well as entertainment for the community through dance performances. Shortly after, Mahogany Dance Theatre (MDT) was founded. Similarly to Striker, MDT offers a safe space for collegiate and community dancers to express themselves through dance. Throughout the years the Founder, Shepiro Hardemon has led arts education and performance initiatives by providing access to professional training and performing opportunities for dancers throughout the United States. After 34 years of enhancing young students' lives, Hardemon is ecstatic to share his next chapter. By merging Strikers Dance Troupe and Mahogany Dance Theatre to create the Strikers Youth Arts Project, Inc (SYAP), a nonprofit organization focused nurturing and developing youth grades 4 - 8.

Programs and Activities Overview The Strikers Youth Arts Project, Inc. offers an eight-week afterschool program specifically designed for underserved and at-risk youth in grades 5th to 8th. The program focuses on providing a holistic approach to education through dance and arts instruction, academic support, and social-emotional development. Participants engage in various dance genres, including hip hop, contemporary, jazz, swing, and West African dance, taught by collegiate dance instructors from Florida A&M University and Florida State University. These classes not only foster artistic expression but also enhance cognitive abilities that contribute to academic success. In addition to dance instruction, the program offers tailored academic support and tutoring to meet the unique needs of each child, particularly those who are neurodiverse or have physical disabilities. The program also emphasizes social and emotional learning (SEL), helping children develop resilience, empathy, and effective communication skills in an inclusive environment. Through this comprehensive approach, the Strikers Youth Arts Project aims to empower youth to succeed academically and personally, using the arts as a powerful tool for growth and self-expression. The Strikers Youth Arts Project serves up to 25 students in each session, held four days a week at the Strikers studio in Tallahassee, Florida. The program is strategically designed to address the holistic needs of the participants, ensuring that they receive the necessary support to thrive in both their academic and personal lives.

Volunteers must be 18 and older.