DNDA’s Artplus Summer Youth Program wrapped up on August 22nd with a pizza-and-ice-cream celebration to celebrate participants’ hard work over the summer. Starting July 7th and running for 6 six weeks, DNDA teaching artists and youth interns were in the High Point neighborhood every day working to facilitate eight different free, drop-in art and recreation classes for the community. Twelve local Seattle Housing Authority youth residents were chosen from over 40 applicants to be part of the Summer Youth Internship Program, where they worked 10 hours a week supporting the program and gaining valuable vocational and life skills to earn a stipend.
With a focus on creating a safe space for kids to learn art, connect with others, have fun, and spend time outside, DNDA teaching artists and interns worked hard to develop programs and classes that engaged with and benefited the community. One of the most popular classes was a weekly cooking program on Thursdays led by Chef Mulu Abate; youth were given the opportunity to not only eat good food with their friends but learned how to roll sushi, properly cut produce, and even use a deep fryer to make french fries. Classes like Art in the Park or Virtual Reality helped kids get creative in ways they might not have had access to before; Field Games and Soccer gave them space to develop teamwork and play. Many families benefited from the Barber in Action program, which was taught by Ambassador barber on how to cut and take care of their hair while providing the community with free haircuts. “Build a Dream” was a leadership program provided by instructor Natalie Elise that focused on building confidence and agency for young girls. Though the memories made this summer will last forever, the interns and participants also made their mark through painting a colorful mural at the basketball court that represented the summer and what they loved about High Point.
In collaboration with other organizations like Neighborhood House, Seattle Housing Authority, Seattle, Public Utilities, City Fruit, and the Seattle Public Library, DNDA provided a variety of unique opportunities for the interns to learn more about the history of High Point and the importance of non-profit and city organizations. They were encouraged to be active in caring for their community and environment by doing litter abatement and storm drain stenciling. Through these opportunities and the programs provided by DNDA and SHA, youth in High Point were provided with a safe space during the summer where they could get outside, get active, engage in community, and learn valuable artistic and vocational skills. DNDA is grateful to have served the High Point community for over 10 years, and we are excited to develop and expand our programs in the future.
-Written by DNDA’s Art Program Specialist Claire De Benon
