Explore our Programs
Our youth development programs provide an opportunity for our children to thrive in a safe, nurturing educational environment that allows them to enhance their mental, emotional, social, physical, and cognitive skills as they chart a positive course for their futures.
A.C.E – Academic and Cultural Excellence (After School Program)
Our center is a licensed child care center certified by the Pinellas County License Board. Community Out of School Time program (C.O.S.T.) developed in 2005, is a year round after school program for youth ages 5-17. We serve approximately 80 youth daily. Our activities include tutoring, homework assistance, music composition, theory, ballet, tap, martial arts, hip-hop, yoga, health, nutrition and fitness boot camp, drumming, percussion, arts and crafts, health and hygiene, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) activities, career awareness, ROBOTICS, Podcasts, guest speakers, cultural diversity and financial literacy. The program is funded by JWB Pinellas and all children are on scholarship.
Be True To You:
BT2U Girls’ program
Be True To You (BT2U) developed in 2006 and Sponsored by JWB Children's Services Board is a gender specific program for girls 9-17 years of age whose focus is to enrich character, build esteem, make girls feel empowered to find their own voice and validate themselves. Currently services are being provided to 40 girls at the ARTZ 4 Life Center. These girls are on scholarship and also participate in ARTZ 4 Life ACE programming conducted daily at the facility and the "Explore The Arts" Summer Camp.
Dundu Dole Urban African Ballet
Runs from June to July
Dundu Dole (which means Life Force in Wolof Language) Urban African Ballet established 1991 now in existence for twenty eight years has provided entertaining, educational workshops, lecture demonstrations and cultural arts ballets for various schools, universities, churches, hospitals, conferences, corporations and major theater house throughout the United States. Dundu Dole has performed with and opened for artists such as Herbie Hancock, Ziggy Marley, Naomi Tutu, Kwesi M'fume, Angela Davis, Debra Cox, Kevon Edwards and many more.
“Explore The Arts” Summer Camp
Established in 2004, Explore The Arts is a 10 week summer camp serving 100 to 150 youth ages 5 to 17. The program uses arts education to help prevent summer learning loss through classes in music, visual arts, theater, dance, voice, creative writing, athletics, swimming, and field trips. Camp concludes with a community performance featuring an original production created by students and staff, showcasing the creativity, skills, and lessons learned throughout the summer. More than 400 parents, family members, friends, and community members are expected to attend.
The Family Blessing
The Family Blessing is Jai Hinson's annual production that celebrates cultural diversity through ballet, hip hop, jazz, tap, African, Latin, Native, Brazilian, and Bollywood dance. The performance showcases the talents of students, choreographers, and directors while promoting education, life skills, and unity through the arts. Presented by Artz 4 Life Academy, the production supports the organization's mission to enhance education and foster cultural appreciation. All ticket proceeds directly fund Artz 4 Life Academy's performing arts programs.
Young Gents
Young Gents is a boys gender specific program for boys 9-17 years of age also funded by JWB Children's Services Board and Florida Department of Cultural Affairs and specializing in developing leadership, employability skills and self-esteem curriculum within the framework of a STEM and ARTS program. These young men also participate in the A.C.E. Out of School Time Program, Summer Camp and all program activities related to charting a positive course for the future. We currently serve 40 boys during the school year and approximately 60 during the summer months.