On the latest NonProfit Snapcast podcast, Artportunity Knocks CEO Chris Woods dives into how our organization empowers thousands of young people through the arts, even as school programs disappear. Recorded live at the 13th Annual Nonprofit Leadership Conference at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, this special episode dives into the origins and impact of Artportunity Knocks.

Chris discusses how our organization stepped up to fill a critical gap when budget cuts began limiting arts education in schools. With a passionate commitment to youth development, Chris shared the journey from teaching music in his own apartment to reaching over 30,000 students across Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Florida. Listeners will hear how we’re opening doors to future careers in music technology, gaming, and other emerging fields.

The interview also highlights the power of connection within the nonprofit sector. Chris explains how vital it is for leaders to network and find motivation to keep pushing forward—an essential takeaway for anyone in the field.

Catch the full episode below and learn more about how Artportunity Knocks is transforming young lives through the arts.

At Artportunity Knocks, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to inspire and empower young people. That’s why we are thrilled to announce that we’ve received a $9,200 Metropolitan Atlanta Arts grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta! This grant is a significant milestone for our organization, as it will help us continue to provide life-changing arts and STEAM programs to underserved youth in metro Atlanta.

But this is more than just a financial boost—it’s a testament to the importance of arts education in our community and a beacon of hope for what’s possible when we all come together to support the next generation of creators, thinkers, and leaders.

The Importance of Unrestricted Funding in Arts Education
For nonprofit organizations like Artportunity Knocks, unrestricted funding is the lifeblood of our operations. While many grants come with specific requirements or are tied to certain projects, unrestricted funds—like the ones provided by the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts grant—allow us to cover essential operational costs, expand our programs, and meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve.

Here’s why unrestricted funding is so crucial:

1. Flexibility: Unrestricted funds can be used wherever they are needed most—whether that’s maintaining facilities, covering instructor salaries, or purchasing materials for our programs.
2. Sustainability: These funds allow us to ensure our programs remain affordable and accessible to families with limited financial resources.
3. Innovation: With unrestricted support, we can adapt quickly to new challenges, launch new initiatives, and explore innovative approaches to arts education.

As the Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta stated in their grant letter, "We recognize that the Atlanta arts ecosystem is extremely vibrant...we remain aware of the perpetual challenges that arts organizations face." This understanding of the struggles many arts organizations encounter makes this grant even more meaningful.

How This Grant Will Impact Our Work
The $9,200 grant we’ve received will have a tangible impact on the lives of the students we serve and the programs we offer. Specifically, this funding will help us in several key areas:

• Supporting STEAM-Based Arts Programs: Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) programs provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.
• Enhancing Accessibility for Title 1 Schools: Many of the students we work with come from Title 1 schools that lack the resources to offer robust arts programming. This grant will allow us to continue serving these students, ensuring they have access to high-quality arts education.
• Expanding After-School and Summer Arts Programs: By covering operational costs, this funding helps us keep our programs running year-round, giving students a safe and nurturing environment to explore their creativity, build confidence, and develop life skills.

Creating Lasting Impact Through Arts and STEAM Education
At the core of our mission is a simple but powerful belief: every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their creative potential. Through our arts and STEAM programs, we are not only teaching students how to paint, design, or produce music—we are helping them develop essential life skills that will serve them well into adulthood.

Some of the key benefits of our programs include:

• Improved Academic Performance: Studies have shown that students who participate in arts education perform better in subjects like math and reading. Our programs help bridge the gap for students who may be struggling in traditional academic settings.
• Social-Emotional Growth: Arts education fosters empathy, self-expression, and emotional regulation, helping students build stronger social-emotional skills.
• Career Exploration: By exposing students to a wide range of creative fields, we help them explore potential career paths in industries like music production, digital media, and visual arts.

One of our students, Gabriel, who attended our gaming workshop, shared her excitement about the potential of turning her passion into a career. She said, "I like gaming cause I been gaming since I was a baby with my aunt's stuff, so it's always been fun and just something to do as a past time. And the idea of turning it into a career is actually very interesting." Stories like these highlight the impact our programs can have on the futures of young people.

Why Corporate and Community Partnerships Are Key to Our Growth
While grants like this one from the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta are vital, it’s the support of corporate and community partners that truly allows us to scale our impact. By working together, we can reach more students, expand our program offerings, and deepen our impact in the communities that need it most.

Here’s how corporate and community partners can get involved:

• Sponsorship: Partnering with Artportunity Knocks as a sponsor allows businesses to directly support our programs while aligning with a cause that matters to the community.
• Matching Donations: Corporate partners can encourage their employees to give back by offering matching gift programs, doubling the impact of individual contributions.
• Volunteering: Many companies support their employees in giving time to local organizations. Volunteering with Artportunity Knocks is a great way for employees to get involved in hands-on ways, from helping with events to mentoring students.

Join Us in Creating More Opportunities for Youth
Grants like the $9,200 award from the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta make a huge difference, but ongoing support from donors and partners is what truly sustains our work. Together, we can create more opportunities in the arts for youth across Atlanta, ensuring that every child—regardless of background—has the chance to explore their creativity and achieve their full potential.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether you’re an individual donor, a corporate partner, or a community advocate, your support is critical to the future of arts education in Atlanta.

Final Thoughts
We are deeply grateful to the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta for believing in our mission and for providing the unrestricted funding that will allow us to continue empowering youth through the arts. As we look ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum, reach more students, and make a lasting difference in the lives of the young people we serve.

​Want to get involved? Visit our website to learn more about how you can support Artportunity Knocks and help us create more opportunities in the arts for all youth.

We are proud to share that our CEO and Executive Director was featured in a video by the Chick-fil-A Impact Accelerator, alongside four other dedicated nonprofit leaders. This video, part of the Mission Matters campaign, was created to shine a light on the important work being done by organizations like ours to bring hope and change to communities across the nation.

In the video, a powerful voiceover narrates the challenges faced by communities and the role of nonprofit leaders in turning compassion into action. It celebrates the courage and dedication required to make a lasting impact, emphasizing that our work as nonprofit leaders creates ripples of hope that, when combined, generate waves of change.

​This feature is a testament to the impact that Artportunity Knocks is making in the lives of young people through arts, education, community service, and bridging cultures. We are honored to be recognized alongside other organizations that share our commitment to creating a brighter future.

Watch the full video above to see how our mission aligns with the values of the Chick-fil-A Impact Accelerator and how we are contributing to a greater collective impact.

Key Highlights:

• Empowering Youth: Our CEO is featured in scenes representing our commitment to inspiring positive behaviors and smart choices through the arts.
• Community Impact: The video underscores the importance of nonprofit work in bringing hope and possibility to those in need.
• Collective Change: Together with other nonprofit leaders, we are part of a movement accelerating impact across communities.

This video is a powerful reminder of the importance of our mission and the impact we are making every day.

For more inspiring stories and updates on our programs, follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter.

​You have a vital role in guiding your children toward a future filled with health and happiness. By implementing deliberate actions and nurturing habits, you ensure their development into individuals with strong physical health, sharp mental clarity, and profound emotional stability. These strategies are key to building a robust foundation that will serve them throughout their lives. In this article we’ll go over several things you can do to help your child feel their best everyday.

Encourage Artistic Expression
Allow your child to dive into the world of colors, shapes, and textures. Art not only enhances your child's creativity but also serves as an emotional outlet, helping them to process and express complex feelings in a safe environment. By regularly engaging in artistic activities, children learn persistence, improve their cognitive abilities, and develop a habit of self-expression that contributes to emotional well-being. Look for local programs your child can join that will help them explore their creativity.

Incorporate Daily Walks
Take daily walks with your kids to enhance both their mental and physical health. If your neighborhood lacks pedestrian-friendly paths, seek out areas with a high Walk Score of 70 or above. This ensures that your walking routes are safe and enjoyable. Encourage your family to make these walks a regular part of your routine. Such activities not only promote health but also provide valuable family bonding time.

Promote Active Play
It’s also crucial to make sure your kids are combining activity with fun. Encouraging them to step away from screens and engage in more physically active pursuits can greatly enhance their health. By setting clear boundaries around the use of technology, you offer them the chance to discover the joys of physical play. Whether it’s building a fort, embarking on a nature hunt, or simply playing catch, active play is crucial for their physical and social development.

Foster Nutritional Awareness
Teaching your children about the importance of a balanced diet is essential. By involving them in the cooking process, they gain hands-on experience with various foods and learn about the nutritional value of each ingredient. This involvement not only educates them about healthy eating but also makes mealtime an opportunity for learning and bonding, setting the stage for good dietary habits.

Discuss Educational Aspirations
Start discussions with your children early about their future goals and dreams, showing them that it's never too early to plan. Pursue an online degree to model the importance of education and demonstrate that achieving dreams often requires further learning and flexibility. For instance, earning a master's degree in nursing could lead to opportunities in nurse education, informatics, nurse administration, or advanced practice nursing. By advancing your education, you not only fulfill your own aspirations but also provide a key to success for your children by setting a powerful example.

Prioritize Restful Sleep
Ensuring that your children get enough restful sleep is fundamental to their health and development. Establishing a soothing bedtime routine and making sure their sleeping environment is quiet and comfortable helps promote deep, restorative sleep. Adequate sleep is crucial for their physical health, cognitive function, and emotional regulation.

Educate on the Risks of Substance Abuse
​Having open and honest discussions about the risks associated with substance abuse is critical for your children’s safety and well-being. Providing them with clear, age-appropriate information helps them understand the consequences and equips them with the knowledge to make informed choices. Open dialogue fosters trust and prepares them to face peer pressure confidently.

By embracing these strategies, you equip your children with the tools they need to lead a healthy and rewarding life. Each step you take together in fostering these habits not only nurtures their current well-being but also sets the foundation for their future success. Cultivate these practices within your family to ensure your children grow to be resilient, informed, and joyful individuals, ready to meet the challenges of the world head-on.
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Artportunity Knocks offers a variety of uplifting and inspiring creative programs for kids, helping them discover their own strengths where learning is concerned. Look around the site today to learn more, and consider making a donation to support the cause.

At our organization, we firmly believe that the arts have the power to transform lives and open doors to endless possibilities. That's why we are incredibly grateful and honored to announce a $50,000 donation from the remarkable Genesis Inspiration Foundation.

The Genesis Inspiration Foundation is a true champion for youth empowerment, dedicated to connecting young minds with the transformative power of the arts. Their mission aligns perfectly with our own – improving educational outcomes by providing access to arts programs that engage and inspire children, especially those in under-resourced communities.

This generous gift will allow us to expand our reach, introducing even more young people to the world of artistic expression and creativity. The arts have an unparalleled ability to unlock hidden talents, foster self-confidence, and cultivate essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork – all vital components for success in school and beyond.

Since its inception in 2018, the Genesis Inspiration Foundation has donated nearly $5 million to fund youth arts programming at museums, schools, and nonprofit arts and cultural organizations nationwide. With the support of Genesis dealers and charitable donations, they are truly making a difference by introducing children to a world of new possibilities.

We are deeply grateful to the Genesis Inspiration Foundation for recognizing the importance of our work and for investing in the future of our community's youth. This donation will have a profound and lasting impact, igniting creativity, fostering self-expression, and empowering young minds to dream big.

​Together, we will continue to pave the way for arts inspiration, providing our children with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and reach their full potential. Join us in celebrating this remarkable partnership and the boundless possibilities it holds.

As a parent, you understand the importance of education and how it can positively impact your children's future. During the school year, kids have a routine and learning takes place in a structured environment. However, with school breaks come a new challenge of keeping your children motivated and focused on their studies. It’s the perfect opportunity to create a learning atmosphere that could be fun and interactive for the kids. In this article, ARTportunity Knocks  gives you six creative ways to help your children study during school breaks.

1. Create a Study Room
Instead of having your kids study in their bedrooms, create a designated study room for them. Quickly transform an unused space in your home into a functional workspace that includes a desk, comfortable chair, and good lighting. It not only provides a suitable learning environment for your children, but upgrading this space may even raise the value of your home.

2. Find Everyday Educational Opportunities
Give your child an educational edge while they're having fun! Everyday activities can be a great way to sneak learning into their day. From teaching measurements in the kitchen and looking at weather patterns together on walks, you'll give them that extra boost without it feeling like school work. Counting change during trips to the store is another easy way to get some math practice too.

3. Hire a Tutor
If you feel that your kids need more focus, then hiring a tutor who specializes in their weak subjects will be an excellent investment. Reading Rockets notes that a tutor is a great resource to help your children improve their study habits and achieve their academic goals. You can look for local tutors or find great resources at larger nationally-established tutoring centers.

4. Plan Educational Field Trips
Take the classroom to a whole new level. Stimulate learning outside of your four walls by taking your kids on educational field trips. Visit renowned museums, explore zoos and botanical gardens, or dive into deep scientific discoveries at science centers – there are so many opportunities for growth beyond the traditional school environment.

5. Encourage Daily Reading
As parents, we all want to help our children reach their full academic potential. Subsequently, Children’s Bureau points out that reading should be a priority. It's important to motivate them to read for at least 30 minutes each day on topics that personally interest them. Not only does regular reading improve vocabulary and strengthen communication skills, but books often prove to be powerful sources of education, adventure, and storytelling. Having an extensive repertoire of books can lay the foundation for critical-thinking habits, open dialogue between adults and young people, as well as uncover fascinating stories that truly spark the imagination.

6. Get Hands-On Experience
It is always a great idea to let kids get involved in a variety of activities to see what really sparks their interests. Find ways to help your kid get hands-on experience through local weekend programs, summer camps, or maker's fairs. If your child likes to build things, look for opportunities to cultivate that interest, whether it’s working in wood or learning how to weld or solder. WeldingLogic can provide some great information, but you'll need to look around in your community for ways to let your child safely try out the trade for themselves.

Developing a Study Regimen for Kids
As children grow and advance in their academic careers, it becomes increasingly important to establish a study routine that will help them stay on track and achieve their goals. Developing a study regimen for kids involves setting aside dedicated blocks of time for homework and study, creating a distraction-free environment, and keeping track of assignments and deadlines. By helping children establish a consistent and effective study routine, parents and educators can provide the support and structure that kids need to succeed in school and beyond.

Talk About their Career Goals
Asking your kids about their career goals can be a great way to learn how to motivate them. You can use whatever interests them now to theme or focus specific lessons to help them learn more about that field and what it takes to get into it. Don’t put too much pressure on young kids to find their career path. Let them explore.
 
However, for older kids who are near graduation, help them dive a little deeper into their interests. If they are entrepreneurially-minded, have them write up a business plan and investigate how to start a business using an LLC structure. For neurodivergent teens who really take this idea seriously, encourage them to apply for this free business formation option being offered!
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Support Your Child’s Learning Process
​These helpful activities will help your children develop new learning habits and keep them motivated during school breaks. The primary goal is to make learning a fun and interactive experience rather than a tedious, boring one. You can make use of various resources available to teach them new things, while at the same time, cementing academic concepts they learned during the school year. Remember, school breaks can be an excellent opportunity to open up a new world of learning for your children.
 
 
ARTportunity Knocks empowers youth to make positive and smart choices while increasing opportunities in the arts, education, community service, and bridging cultures. Contact us today to learn more! 678-355-8734

On Wednesday, February 14th, our organization joined the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network and youth development nonprofits from across the state for Afterschool Day at the Capitol. This uplifting event offered us the opportunity to meet with legislators in Atlanta and advocate for increased funding and support of vital afterschool initiatives. Now more than ever, our youth depend on these inspiring programs to help empower them to become compassionate leaders.

Led by our Vice President of Development, Ty Woods, and Curriculum and Training Specialist, India Mason, we showcased the transformational impact of high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs under the Gold Dome. Our team met with several state senators and representatives to discuss the growing need for youth enrichment programs statewide.