ART. YOUTH. INSPIRATION. OPPORTUNITY.
Inspired Aesthetics is a free after school program, in Kansas City, MO, for young people in grades 9-12 that provides access to top quality, year-round arts education and training, mentoring, and academic support. We are working to fill the gap in after school programming for teens and level the playing field in arts related careers and post secondary paths.
“I felt safe, I felt like I belonged, and that made sharing even more fun and doable.”
— Veyden, 16
EDUCATIONAL EQUITY THROUGH THE ARTS
Our idea of educational equity is a community where enriching opportunities and experiences are in abundance. Families do not have to spend an outrageous amount of money, or leave their community to gain access to quality extracurriculars outside of school hours. We see a community where an opportunity gap amongst students of varying races or socioeconomic status does not exist. Where the amount of money you have or zip code you live in doesn’t dictate how prepared you are for your future.
Our vision gives students access to quality programs and safe spaces that do not exclude them due to age, finances, or location. We envision a community where young people who want to learn more about art or cooking or engineering have places within reach for them to do so. We want to eliminate the “I wish that existed” conversations that we have had with numerous students and families.
We don’t want another student to be unable to pursue a career because they are lacking tools or experiences to make them a competitive candidate. In our vision of educational equity, young people in low income communities have the same opportunities to practice and develop skills as their more affluent peers.
Inspired Aesthetics is a step in that direction. We will build an organization in the community, for the community, that works to uplift and educate our youth. Giving young people access to programs and opportunities that do not currently exist, at little to no cost to them.
