Why it Matters

community need

  • Mecklenburg County has 815 children currently in foster care.
  • Of the 248,565 children in Charlotte, 51,666 live in poverty. That is 1 out of 5 kids or 20%.
  • Over 3,000 teens between 16 and 19 are disconnected, neither in school nor working.

why the arts?

National studies show that participation in the arts and positive pro-social activities contribute to great academic achievement and can mitigate the effects of childhood trauma, transforming lives.


An independent study of TAEP’s pilot program by the UNC-Charlotte School of Social Work reported that our students formed career and educational goals, developed positive peer interactions, grew more engaged in their community, accessed new opportunities and experiences, gained new life skills, discovered healthy emotional outlets and became more confident.

our youth

healing. empowerment. motivation

In their own words

Former program participants Valencia (Culinary Camp) and Savannah (Encounters- Virtual) describe how The Arts Empowerment Project impacted their lives.

Untitled design (6)