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EYL 365 Project provides an immersive environment that supports creativity, inspires innovation, fosters connection, and empowers young change agents to pursue their creative advocacy goals for themselves and their communities.
Hear from Our Team
Creative and Passionate
Reginald Tarver
I have a passion for teaching arts to the youth because I see myself in them. As a kid in middle school I was exposed to instrumental music for the first time. That initial experience was the gateway to my journey in the arts as a musician and music educator. I believe that exposing the youth to the arts and creativity is a catalyst to them designing their own future. This passion is a part of my purpose.
Alana Gregory
The EYL program is a hidden gem within the community that I wished I had discovered in my youth. The program is dedicated to educating youth on the different ways that they can express themselves, practice new skills, and enjoy art through an empowering and relevant social justice lens. Working as a Teaching Artist specializing in Dance was an equally rewarding experience. I was able to use quality resources, recreational space, and lessons incorporating social and emotional learning to foster positive and fun learning experiences for kids. Being assigned to work with a summer camp in an unfamiliar environment came with a few challenges, but a little patience combined with Candice's amazing support led to a transformative 5-week program for my students and myself that I will never forget. I am very grateful for my time spent with EYL and I believe in its mission!
Kayla James
As a member of EYL, my experience has been rich and fulfilling on so many levels. The work I did with inner city youth gave me the opportunity to become acquainted with many areas of DC, and I gained the hours I needed for my graduate degree as well. My love for EYL will always be special, but I am even more grateful for the special place I have gained in the hearts of my students by teaching and inspiring them with the one thing I truly do love.. THE ARTS!
Vonne Napper
My experience with the EYL Team has allowed me to connect with diverse individuals while exploring my art practice. Some of these individuals have become my community and are a part of the many communities to which I identify including the LGBTQIA+ community, which plays a major part in relating to the youth during programming. As the world changes and conversations around social justice grow, so does the innovation among the Teaching Artists of EYL. For that reason, I am very honored and proud to contribute to the success of this amazing organization.
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Gen Fraser
As a community artist and educator I am constantly seeking out ways to marry my passion for the arts and affinity for learning with conscious social engagement. For this reason, I often align myself with programs that utilize unique tactics to bring art education to people of all ages. Enter the EYL365 Project! Working with this project has not only provided me with an outlet to grow as a teaching artist, it has also given me the opportunity to embrace my curiosity and joy of making along with my students. I truly believe that EVERYONE needs some form of art or creativity in their lives and projects like these help make that possible.
Ash Gorman
Being able to fulfill my purpose to create and help others do the same is the best! As someone who struggled with expressing myself growing up, art gave me a voice to express how I felt and helps me process emotions in a really uplifting way. The fact that I can empower others to express themselves authentically is such a rewarding experience that I never take for granted.