The Memory Project is a unique initiative in which students create artwork for children facing substantial challenges around the world. We begin by matching you with children on our waiting list and emailing their photos to you. Advanced art students can then make portraits for them, while novice art students can make "identity art" focusing on the children's names and positive affirmations. Next, you mail the finished artwork to us, and we deliver it to the children. We'd love to have you and your students involved!

School Assembly: First Choice & A Second Chance This program begins with an introduction video aimed at knocking down the stigma attached to substance use disorder, educating the audience on the current drug epidemic, and setting the stage for a powerful, honest and heartfelt story. During interviews with Stephen’s family, it becomes clear he had a great childhood. “No one saw this coming.” Through sharing his lived experience, Stephen shows how mental health struggles can lead to addiction, the consequences of substance use, and how stigma prevented him from asking for help and contributed to his inability to recover. His storytelling technique allows each individual person to draw conclusions in their own meaningful way as it relates to their own life. By focusing on the progression of his dependence—beginning to end—attendees will gain a better understanding of how the choices they make today will affect them, and those around them, for the rest of their lives. The trifecta gateway drugs of nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana introduced to Stephen in 8th grade by older peers was just the beginning, eventually leading to self-destructive behaviors, criminal convictions, and a deadly opioid addiction that Stephen directly states he would have never made it out alive if fentanyl was as prevalent during his addiction as it is today. He takes you through his struggles and extremely difficult times, then slowly transitions into sobriety—emphasizing that recovery is possible. Through practicing gratitude, healthy routines, and changing his mindset to view his challenges as opportunities to inspire others, profound changes began to happen in Stephen’s life. The pivotal moment occurred just before he celebrated one year of recovery. Stephen was given a second chance to turn his mess into a message by working in the field of addiction treatment and prevention. From there, he gained the confidence to share his story, go back to college and eventually law school. Today, he speaks all across the country to inspire others to lead healthy, substance-free lives. Attendees will leave this program better educated on mental health and substance use, with practical tools and coping skills to work through challenges, a better understanding of the ripple effect—how our actions influence and impact others, and with a goal-oriented mindset to build a life worth protecting. Breakout Sessions: Break the Silence As a follow-up to the assembly, breakout sessions build on Stephen’s talk and focus on reinforcing key concepts. These sessions offer students a unique chance to ask personal questions and engage in open discussions in a comfortable, intimate setting. Each session delves deeper into the most crucial topics covered in the assembly, allowing students to ask relevant questions and share their takeaways. Typically held in Health and PE classes, these sessions can be tailored to specific grades or customized schedules. Stephen’s Breakout Session worksheet allows students to submit anonymous responses, fostering honesty and openness. The anonymous data collected offers critical insights for schools, helping them identify areas where further support or follow-up might be necessary. Additionally, these insights can be used to reinforce the positive takeaways from Stephen's message throughout the school year, ensuring that the impact of the sessions continues to resonate with students long after the program concludes. Assembly/Workshop: Know the Law, Save a Life An interactive program educating high school seniors on laws related to drugs and alcohol, as well as the legal and moral consequences of their actions. Stephen begins by qualifying himself through sharing his experience on both sides of the law, both as a defendant during his struggles with substance use and now as a defense attorney in recovery. Students learn basic courtroom terms, criminal laws, civil laws, and the potential penalties and liability that can follow from breaking these laws. Stephen gives fact patterns with real life scenarios so students can see how these laws play out in situations young people are faced with everyday. Some of the laws covered are the Good Samaritan Law, DWI/DUI & Zero Tolerance, Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Deaths, Social Host Liability, Providing Alcohol to Minors, Fake IDs, Hazing, Affirmative Consent to Sexual Activity, and Defamation of Character. Stephen also covers fentanyl and the misperception of harm due to the legalization of marijuana. Professional Development: Transforming Youth Discipline & Justice with Restorative Practices Transforming school discipline and criminal justice policies from punitive to restorative practices for youth struggling with substance use disorder not only saves lives—it builds lives worth defending. School administrators and law enforcement face significant challenges to find the most effective response when a young person—anyone under the age of 25—breaks the law or violates a code of conduct for drugs and alcohol. Stephen Hill brings extensive personal and professional experience on this topic. His unique perspective comes from his work as a criminal defense attorney with a focus on drug and alcohol related offenses, recovery coach, and youth motivational speaker. His work was inspired by his own adverse childhood experiences—out-of-school suspensions, removal from school sports teams, felony convictions—the labels and stigma that came with it, and the trauma that followed. We often hear administrators and law enforcement, when faced with an individual who violated the law or code of conduct, must make decisions by balancing the best interests of the individual and the community. Stephen’s training helps people recognize how the best interests of individual offenders and communities align more than most people think. Through sharing his personal testimony and advocacy work today, Stephen reveals innovative solutions for schools and communities to develop systems to achieve better outcomes for young people facing behavioral and/or criminal justice challenges because of substance use disorder or a co-occurring disorder. At the end of this session participants will be able to: Recognize situations, when dealing with youth discipline and justice, that require restorative practices to achieve better outcomes Explain why punishment is not effective for specific or general deterrence for youth struggling with substance use disorder or a co-occurring disorder Communicate the ideology and evidence behind restorative practices—particularly for youth—so more people in their community can understand and support restorative practices Develop systems and procedures for youth discipline and justice that add more protective factors rather than removing them with strictly punitive measures

Extra! Extra! Read All About It! The Edge of your seat fun Reading Encouragement show with an educational message for grades (Pre-K) K-6 “Get students excited about reading!” 45 minutes (show times can be adjusted to accommodate school schedules) Step into a world where action, adventure, mystery, biography, history, comics, and fantasy come alive through an original, one-of-a-kind performance by Amore. This fun-filled show combines amazing magic, illusions, comedy, music, and interactive audience participation, all woven together with an inspiring message about the power of libraries, books, and reading. Students will be captivated by Amore’s personal story—how a magic show at his local library sparked his lifelong passion for magic and reading. As a child, Amore discovered countless books about legendary magicians, fueling his dreams and teaching him the secrets of the craft. This unforgettable experience inspired him to create a magical show that celebrates the wonders of books and the joy of reading. Prepare to be amazed as you witness incredible feats like a gravity-defying levitation reminiscent of Peter Pan, passing through Alice’s Looking Glass, and becoming a wizard, a pirate, or even the Cat in the Hat! Teachers join the fun too, helping Amore perform a thrilling Houdini escape straight from the pages of history. For a spectacular finale, the audience will watch Amore transform into a beloved comic book hero right before their eyes. From start to finish, this electrifying show combines illusion, magic, and imagination to create a memorable experience that will leave your students inspired and enchanted. Take a new chapter from the book of magic and experience Amore’s ”Extra! Extra! Read All About It!” The perfect P.A.R.P. program! Warning! Excitement, laughter, amazement and reading will result from watching this show!

Programs include weekday matinee performances for student field trips, school partnerships, artists-in-residence, sensory friendly experiences, programs for those with autism and other sensory needs, professional development for educators, and master classes.

This is a high energy music filled program consisting of Line Dance Instruction and a Western Trick Roping Demonstration followed by an interactive trick roping lesson. Jeff is one of the best when it comes to teaching fun easy line dances with many years experience. He has also performed his trick roping show for years as well. If you are looking for a unique and fun program, try this out! The program can be modified for all ages and works for any size group. As a retired public school teacher, Jeff has a good handle on working with kids of all grade levels. The program can be a full day or a half day tailored to your school schedule. Check out the link to the YouTube video to see just how much fun the program is. Feel free to contact Jeff Reynolds for more information and pricing options. This program is sure to be engaging and fun every time!!

Flame the band is a group of talented musicians supported by The Arc Lexington in Fulton County, NY who happen to have disabilities. They travel across the country spreading their message of hope and inspiration through their music. The band plays original music, and favorites across many genres from the 1950s-today.

Bi-Okoto creates performances and educational experiences to help audiences of all ages and backgrounds engage and bridge cultural gaps. We use authentic African culture-based theatre, music, drums, dances, cooking, languages, and clothing to accomplish that. Our B-FIT classes are classes offered at our center on a weekly basis. They include West African languages (Yoruba, Kiswahili, etc.); Drumming (for kids, and mixed-levels); Dance (for kids, and adult mixed-levels); Drumming (for kids, and adult mixed levels); AfroPop Dance (ages 13 to adults); Cooking (ages 13 to adults) Images of Africa Summer Camp keep kid 6-12 engaged in activities from our B-FIT classes in. Kids participate in cultural and character-building activities at the center, and they have weekly field trips to various community-based arts activities. In Tolongo Afterschool program we offer similar contents as in our summer camp programming above, but only available when CPS schools are in session. E Sin Mi d’Africa (Come with Me to Africa), Residencies is our cornerstone program. This is a cultural and educational arts residency using multi-sensory, multi-disciplinary learning experiences integrated into student's daily academic curriculum that addresses student needs over the course of a nine-month. This is integrated into the schools’ arts curriculum, working with school. Wa-Zo-Bia Movement & Music Workshop helps students understand math skills, purpose & meaning of the drum and heartbeat, and the communicative language of the drum that mimics different cultural tribes. The workshop compares & illustrates to students the similarities & differences of popular movements & music and how it relates to what is done every day in common situations such as walking. Ekaabo School Assembly program (West African – with emphasis on Nigeria) We take students on an interactive journey from USA to a handful of West African countries. The richness of African culture is revealed through a broad range of dance and languages. Akwaaba and Tooli, are similar program with emphasis on Ghana and Guinea, respectively. “Agidigbo” is a monthly gathering that seeks to foster interactions, drumming, dancing, play reading amongst young adults ages 20-40. “Agidigbo” aims at creating a space with a supportive and welcoming environment to YPs, for discussion, learning, socializing, engaging, and networking opportunities; To further attract and retain/hire Young Professional to the community. HeartBeat Drum Circle- this event is a quarterly event that seeks to foster connection and positive interactions amongst our patrons/community for healing, fun or for music enthusiasts with percussive instruments who come to share and learn. Three Annual stage productions (selections from Igbeyawo, Yemoja, Irin Ajo, etc…) Each production is written to expose the “western” culture to traditional, contemporary, or comedic African theatre which includes a narrating character, live music, songs, dance and students from the adult & children’s classes. Okoto-Kekere (2nd Company) - is designed and tailored to nurture young and budding creatives who are seeking to pursue a career in Afrocentric theater Arts. We pair the youths up with our professional TPAs to provide them with firsthand training and experimental learning opportunities in a holistic way – learning it all, from scripting, backstage management, acting, tech booth management, lighting etc. All our programs are carefully engineered to be in alignment with our mission.

Best School Assembly NYC! Lina Liu Acrobatic is a twice Guinness World Records Holder, and Top 10 NBA halftime Entertainment, She has performed Royal Opera House in London, Chatelet Opera in France, and the Lincoln Center Festival in New York, Manchester Arts Festival U.K. You may see her on NBA TV, FOX5 News, Italy Got Talent Show, and TBS Go Big Show. Our mission is to bring world-class art to the home community of our young audience and enhance their understanding of Chinese culture by immersing them in authentic performances and educational programs from our top-tier artists. Our program is Chinese Traditional of Acrobatic & Sichuan Opera & Lion Dance. Acrobatic_Spinning plates and demo, Umbrella Foot juggling, Chinese yo-yo. Sichuan Opera_dance with Dramatic music, wearing colorful costumes and masks to show magical Chinese historical dramas. Lion dance: Lunar New Year mascot. Google review: "Ms.Lina Liu's performance in our school "The Lunar New Year Celebration" was truly outstanding."-Janet Lin "Great show at Lewiston Porter Central Schools, Youngstown, NY. Students and staff were captivated by Lina Liu and her team." -Paul Casseri

I'm a kids' graphic novel author who over the last two years has presented at over 350 elementary and middle schools across America. My interactive, fast-paced presentations focus on the power of collaboration and the strengths of neurodiversity. As a dyslexic, one of my favorite things to present on is the strengths of neurodiversity. My books like Lumberjackula, Martian Ghost Centaur, and Indoor Kid have received starred reviews from most major trade journals, named to several state lists, and made the ALA best graphic novels list. I also used to work in higher ed at Boise State University where I taught classes on publishing and creative writing. I'd love to come speak with your students about creativity and persevering through learning differences!

Music enrichment geared to your curriculum. This can include a songwriting component and a wide variety of topics.

David Wong has been called a “Rock Star” in the violin world. With over 6.7 million YouTube views and 33k subscribers, he’s attracted the attention of people around the world with mentions in Time Magazine, Huffington Post, MSN, Good Morning America and features on YouTube’s Home Page. He has performed in venues ranging from Carnegie Hall to Hotel Café and collaborated with artists such as The War and Treaty, Cory Wong, and Air Traffic Controller. David is an avid string clinician specializing in live looping, non-traditional techniques, and content creation. He has presented at the Ohio State University String Teachers Workshop, Suzuki Music Columbus, and over 50 public school systems throughout the United States. As a live looping specialist with his violin, David has taught and performed in many schools across the US to great acclaim. He weaves original arrangements as a "one-man-band," playing the music that students know and love from streaming, movies, and other pop cultural phenomenons. David's performances and presentations often include: -introductions to improvising -live looping explanations and demonstrations -extended techniques such as chopping (from beginner to advanced), acoustic distortion, and other non-traditional and non-classical sounds -group layering to build "acoustic backing tracks/loops" -incorporating technology into music David graduated from Amherst College in 2008 with a double major in Music and Asian Studies. He currently resides northwest of Albany, NY

How to Live Mentally Well and Crush it During Difficult Times In this session, based, in part, on stories from his i’Mpossible Project book series, author and youth mental health specialist, Josh Rivedal talks about his school days in a format that’s visceral and creates an emotional connection between students and the powerful message that it’s okay to talk about mental health and that it’s possible to live mentally well during difficult times. Josh will cover: what mental health is and is not, coping skills, what depression and anxiety is and how we can cope with either or both, how to reframe failure, how to help oneself or a friend if in a mental health breakdown, and finding and cultivating hope during difficult times.