DMF YOUTH INC

DMF Youth empowers underserved students through arts education and life skill development programs that build self-confidence, social awareness, resilience, and grit. Our holistic approach to learning combines dance, academics, mentorship, and Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Driven by the vision of an equitable education system, we partner with Title 1 schools and homeless shelters across NYC to deliver free, accessible afterschool and summer programs to elementary and middle school students. SEL is a key component in helping underserved youth navigate and rise above difficult academic,social, and mental health challenges. The traditional school day rarely addresses the social and emotional issues that plague underserved youth and make it difficult to for them to succeed. DMF Youth’s unique and highly impactful approach addresses these issues head on and teaches youth the value of perseverance, creativity, conflict resolution and empathy. Our students learn how embrace and cultivate their strengths and accept the differences in those around them. By focusing on SEL, the program creatively weaves life skills like goal-setting, managing emotions, empathy, and leadership into the curriculum. DMF Youth teaches students to respond vs. react to any difficult situation using the five competencies of SEL: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.