Callahan Foundation Awards Grant to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland’s “Breaking Down Barriers with Dance” Program

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland (BGCC) is the local affiliate of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the nation’s leading advocate for youth development. With more than 60 years of service to the Greater Cleveland community, BGCC provides more than 8,000 inner-city youth at 12 club locations with safe haven, academic support and character-building growth opportunities so that they can realize their full potential.

While BGCC continues to lead a wide range of quality programming, its arts programs provide some of the most valuable, enriching experiences for at-risk youth. Budget cuts and lack of funding have nearly eliminated school-based music and art classes and cultural field trips. BGCC’s art programs expose youth to art and culture through classes, workshops and art-based community events, and participation has grown by 67 percent since 2013.

Since Boys & Girls Clubs of America began its partnership with Misty Copeland, a nationally renowned ballet dancer who was first introduced to dance through her local Boys & Girls Club, interest in dance programs has skyrocketed among inner-city youth. In response, BGCC introduced its “Breaking Down Barriers With Dance” program, which is expected to grow significantly in 2016.

The Callahan Foundation has awarded a $25,000 grant to BGCC to support instructor costs, dance shoes, equipment, and transportation to dance lessons and field trips for performances. More than 100 low-income Greater Cleveland youth will benefit from the grant.

For more information on Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland, visit http://www.clevekids.org/.