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OST Professionals Unite: Our Journey at the National Afterschool Association Convention
March 27, 2023

Our team is delighted to share our recent experience at the National Afterschool Association Convention #NAA24, held from March 17-20, 2024, in Dallas, TX. Allow us to take you through our journey of discovery, learning, and collaboration!

From the outset, it was evident that we were embarking on something special. Our VP of Development, Ty, and our Curriculum & Training Specialist, India, joined forces with after-school leaders and advocates from across the nation to immerse ourselves in the world of after-school programming.

Ty summed up her experience: "I learned about fundraising for our programs at the NAA conference. Connecting with folks from all 50 states and engaging in hands-on workshops were highlights for me." Her genuine enthusiasm set the tone for our collective experience.

India shared her reflections with a heartfelt tone: "My time at the convention was genuinely inspiring," she expressed. "Being part of sessions aimed at advancing youth development and having a voice in guiding student progress felt truly empowering."

But our journey didn't end there. As passionate advocates for innovative after-school programming, we were honored to present our insights on integrating music technology into our programs. The chance to showcase our work and exchange ideas with fellow changemakers was undeniably the highlight of our time at #NAA24.

As we bid farewell to Dallas, our hearts are flowing with gratitude for the meaningful connections made, the valuable knowledge gained, and the genuine inspiration ignited. Together, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to empowering youth and shaping a brighter future through after-school programs. Until we meet again, NAA!

Empowering Georgia's Youth: A Day at the Capitol for After School Initiatives
February 14, 2023

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.

With budgets getting tighter each year, we depend on our legislators to fight for Georgia’s future innovators and change-makers by ensuring funding for exceptional learning opportunities outside the classroom. Studies show that students who regularly attend high-quality afterschool programs not only perform better academically but also display improvements in school attendance, behavior, and engagement. These enriching programs cultivate the talents and interests of each student – from technology and arts to civic leadership and beyond.

If we want to see our youth thrive as empowered, passionate leaders, then we must invest in their growth today. By supporting organizations like the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network, our legislators can expand access to programs that are advancing equity and nurturing potential in communities statewide. It takes all of us working together to create a Georgia where every child, regardless of background, has a chance to pursue their dreams.

CEO/Executive Director Chris Woods Joins the Mentor Georgia Provider Council to Empower Youth and Bridge Communities through Mentoring
October 30, 2023

We are pleased to inform you that Chris Woods, the CEO/Executive Director of Artportunity Knocks, has joined the Mentor Georgia Provider Council. This appointment aligns with Artportunity Knocks' mission to empower youth and create opportunities in the Arts, Education, Community Service, and Bridging Cultures.

Every year, one in every three young people grows up without a mentor, leaving a significant mentoring gap in society. To address this critical issue, it is essential to align systems, promote best practices, and support leadership development in community-based programs. Mentor Georgia, as part of the National Mentoring Partnership, plays a vital role in bridging this gap and acting as a catalyst for Georgia's burgeoning mentoring movement.

The Mentor Georgia Provider Council serves as an important platform to enhance members' ability to deliver high-quality mentoring services to youth across the state. By collaborating with Mentor Georgia and having access to resources and tools through their affiliation with the National Mentoring Partnership, council members can support and further develop their mentoring programs.

Membership in the Mentor Georgia Provider Council is voluntary, with staggered three-year terms. Diversity is a key focus, seeking representation from different program models, geographic locations, and mentorship of specific groups. The council identifies new members through an informal nominating process, and decisions are made through a consensus approach.

Council members are responsible for attending meetings, sharing expertise, collecting data, and serving on standing committees. It is expected that members adhere to evidence-based practices for quality youth mentoring, including completion of training series and participation in the National Quality Mentoring System.

CEO/Executive Director Chris Woods joining the Mentor Georgia Provider Council reinforces Artportunity Knocks' commitment to empower youth, bridge communities, and address the mentoring gap. By collaborating with Mentor Georgia and other council members, the organization aims to amplify its impact and create more opportunities for young individuals to thrive in the Arts, Education, Community Service, and Bridging Cultures.

Stay connected with Mentor Georgia to support their mission and join the efforts to empower Georgia's youth. Together, we can bridge the mentoring gap and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Celebrating Ty Woods: Our After School Community Champion!
October 4, 2023

It brings us great joy to share that our very own VP of Programs and Development, Ty Woods, has been selected as an After School Community Champion by the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network (GSAN) for the 2023-2024 term. This prestigious recognition is a testament to Ty's dedication and commitment to youth development and community advocacy.

The Afterschool Community Champions program is a vital part of GSAN's mission to advance, connect, and support quality out-of-school time programs that foster the success of youth across Georgia. Champions, like Ty, are exceptional leaders who commit to a year of civic engagement to strengthen community awareness, support effective programs, and bring diverse perspectives and partners to the table regarding out-of-school time programming.

One of the many benefits of the program is its regular offerings for professional development, leadership, and networking. Ty will have the opportunity to connect with leaders and stakeholders who deeply care about the lives of children in our state. Throughout the program, Champions develop an advocacy action plan, followed by the implementation of advocacy events with the support of a stipend.

This recognition not only benefits Ty personally, but it also greatly benefits our organization, Artportunity Knocks. As Ty serves as our VP of Programs, she will bring back valuable insights, knowledge, and connections gained through her participation as an After School Community Champion. This will enable us to further strengthen our programs and initiatives, while advocating for sound public policy around after school and summer programming.

Ty's journey in youth development spans over 20 years, starting as an Afterschool Program instructor and theater performer. She then expanded her scope to include child abuse advocacy with the VI Domestic Violence Council before moving to Georgia. She quickly made an impact as the Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club in Conyers. Fueled by her unwavering passion for the Arts and developing the "whole child," Ty co-founded Artportunity Knocks with her husband, Chris Woods, and a childhood friend. Her dedication and balance between advocacy work and family life are truly inspiring.

As Ty embarks on this remarkable journey as an After School Community Champion, we are confident that she will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of youth in our community. We wholeheartedly congratulate Ty Woods on this well-deserved recognition and applaud her commitment to promoting quality out-of-school time programs for the benefit of our youth. Together, let's continue to empower and support the next generation.

Artportunity Knocks receives Bridge Grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts
July 11, 2023

We are thrilled to announce that Artportunity Knocks has been awarded a generous grant of $38,250 from the Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA)! This grant is part of the first-round funding for fiscal year 2024, which includes 269 grants across 47 Georgia counties. The grant will allow us to offer free arts programming and serve exceptional needs students in the area.

At Artportunity Knocks, we are committed to investing in and improving the communities where we live and serve. We are grateful for the Georgia Council for the Arts' support, which aligns with our organizational efforts to promote Arts Education and empower youth to make smart and positive choices using the Arts.

This grant funding focuses on Academic Achievement and Education, Healthy Youth Development, Economic Opportunity, and Community Resiliency – all priorities that we are passionate about and that will help us continue our efforts to provide access to summer programming for metro Atlanta youth.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Georgia Council for the Arts for their unwavering support of the arts and our organization. With their help, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of young people in our community.

A Talk With Kimberly Elementary Principal Joseph Salley
June 29, 2023

We're thrilled to present an enlightening conversation with the Principal of Kimberly Elementary School, Joseph L. Salley. Join us as he takes us on a journey through his remarkable experiences in education and the incredible impact of after-school programs on his students.

In this interview, Principal Salley opens up about his motivations for getting into education and the rewarding aspects of leading Kimberly Elementary. Hear the transformative effects of Artportunity Knocks programming and how it has made a lasting difference for the students.

Celebrating CEO Chris Wood's Success: Chick-fil-A Impact Accelerator Cohort Graduate Wins $10,000 Grant!
June 8, 2023

We are thrilled to announce an incredible milestone achieved by our very own Chris Woods, who recently completed the Chick-fil-A Impact Accelerator cohort program for 2022-2023. As a result of his remarkable dedication and hard work, Chris has been awarded a grant of $10,000 upon his graduation. This significant accomplishment not only highlights Chris's commitment to community-driven leadership but also symbolizes the tremendous impact he has had on our organization.

Over the past ten months, Chris has been an exceptional participant in the Chick-fil-A Impact Accelerator cohort program. This program provided him with invaluable opportunities for growth, including immersive training sessions and networking events. He consistently demonstrated his passion and drive for advancing our organization's mission.

Chris's achievement is a testament to his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. His unwavering commitment to our organization's core values has helped propel us to new heights. By actively engaging in the program's resources, he harnessed development tools that will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success.

Chris's dedication has not only benefited our organization but also had a profound impact on the communities we serve. His hard work and passion have helped us create positive change and make a lasting difference. We are immensely proud of Chris's accomplishments and grateful for the influence he continues to have.

Unveiling Masterpieces of Impact: Our 2022 Annual Report
April 26, 2023

We're thrilled to share with you our 2022 Annual Report, showcasing an amazing year of artistry, growth, and impact at Artportunity Knocks.

Join us as we look back on the incredible journey we've had, celebrating the incredible talent, creativity, and dedication of our students, teachers, and community partners. In 2022, we saw countless moments of artistic brilliance, from captivating exhibitions to breathtaking performances. Our students explored new techniques, improved their skills, and discovered their true artistic potential.

But that's not all! With your unwavering support, we reached new heights and expanded our programs, creating more opportunities for young artists to shine.

Take a peek at our 2022 Annual Report to immerse yourself in the inspiring stories, stunning visuals, and impactful initiatives that made last year truly remarkable. Together, let's continue to nurture and empower the next generation of artists!

View 2022 Annual Report

Artportunity Knocks' CEO Chris A. Woods Feature in ShoutOut Atlanta
March 15, 2023

Artportunity Knocks' CEO, Chris Woods, was recently featured in an interview with ShoutOut Atlanta, where he shared insights on the organization's dedication to the community through arts education and enrichment programs. Artportunity Knocks aims to provide underserved youth access to quality arts education and programming that help them develop their talents and reach their full potential.

Chris's entrepreneurial spirit and leadership have played a critical role in making this mission a reality. The interview also touches on Chris's journey as a serial entrepreneur and his favorite places to visit in Atlanta.

Learn more about Artportunity Knocks and Chris's inspiring journey when you to check out the interview here.

Welcome our new Youth Development Director, Jesse Coltrane!
February 16, 2023

We are thrilled to announce that Jesse Coltrane has joined our organization as the new Youth Development Director. Jesse brings a wealth of experience in youth development and a passion for helping young people achieve their full potential.

His journey in the arts started at a young age, as he began writing music and dancing in school. He quickly realized his love for choreography and began arranging shows in his community. Eventually, his talent caught the attention of big names in the entertainment industry, leading to work with icons such as Snoop Dogg, DMX, and Ice Cube.

Not content with working in the entertainment industry, Jesse pursued his passion for youth development. He began working as a site director for the YMCA, where he honed his skills in managing programs and developing staff. Later, he became the program and executive director for the Shaquille O’Neal Boys & Girls Club of Henry County.

Now, as our new Youth Development Director, Jesse will manage and oversee our after-school and summer sites. He will also be working closely with our staff to develop new partnerships and programs that benefit our young people.

We are confident that Jesse's experience and passion for youth development will make a significant impact on the lives of the young people we serve. We believe that under his leadership, our organization will continue to provide high-quality programming that helps young people reach their full potential.

So please join us in welcoming Jesse Coltrane to our team! We are excited to see what the future holds for our organization under his leadership.

Kimberly Elementary Career Day
February 15, 2023

Chris Woods, Ayanna Overall, and Malika Garrett from our board of directors headed to southwest Atlanta to participate in Kimberly Elementary's Career Day. They welcomed the opportunity to speak to the youth about their career aspirations, the challenges ahead, and how they could work toward their goals.

During the event they connected with others in the community like Char, a woodworker/wood shop teacher here in Atlanta and country music artist Carl Ray.

Our pillar of community service aims to spark hope and positive change with positive arts. We hope by exposing the youth to a variety of careers that they will be better equipped for success in the future.

Thank you to counselor Crystal Reed for the invite and gift bag and Principal Joseph Salley for his time.

ARTportunity Knocks Receives The Boost Grant from GSAN
February 8, 2022

Artportunity Knocks is receiving funding through the BOOST Grants Program!

These funds will have long-term impact as we strive to serve Youth with disabilities (and/or) Youth experiencing homelessness (and/or) Youth in foster care (and/or) English language learners (and/or) Youth receiving free or reduced-price lunch (and/or) migratory youth.This project was funded by the Georgia Department of Education through Georgia’sAmerican Rescue Plan education allocation and administered in partnership with the GeorgiaStatewide After-school Network.

ARTportunity Knocks Receives Grant from MDRT Foundation
February 8, 2021

The MDRT Foundation has awarded a USD $1,500 grant to ARTportunity Knocks!

Through its global grants programs, the MDRT Foundation is committed to building stronger families and communities around the globe. This year, the MDRT Foundation will award over $1.5 million in MDRT member-endorsed grants to more than 250 charitable organizations worldwide.

ARTportunity Knocks is an Atlanta-based 501c(3) non-profit whose mission is to empower youth to make POSITIVE & SMART choices while increasing opportunities for children in the Arts, Education, Community Service, and Bridging Cultures.

As an organization, ARTportunity Knocks has served over 100,000 children and families, in its 12 years of existence. During the food insecurity crisis plaguing American communities due to COVID 19 and the economic downturn, ARTportunity Knocks has stepped in, and served over 75,000 meals to Atlanta area children! ARTportunity Knocks is proud to also have retained a local small businesses to deliver these meals, further supporting parents with little to no transportation.

"Since inception, ARTportunity Knocks has provided tens of thousands of STEAM education classes, teacher professional development, signature camps, after-school programs, seminars /community service initiatives, and comprehensive food programs. We're so thankful to receive this tremendous gift from MDRT Foundation, as we know it will help support so many." Ty Woods, Executive Director, ARTportunity Knocks

The organization specializes in being a “one-stop shop” for over a dozen forms of the Arts including: visual art, dance, acting, musical theater, film-making, music production, as well as a developing thought leaders and advocates for Arts Integration teaching models in Education.

To donate to or to learn more about ARTportunity Knocks, visit: www.artportunityknocks.org

About the MDRT Foundation:
The MDRT Foundation was created in 1959 to provide MDRT members with a means to give back to their communities. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than $38 million in more than 72 countries throughout the world and in all 50 U.S. states. These funds were raised by MDRT members and industry partners. For more information, visit mdrtfoundation.org.

About MDRT:
Founded in 1927, Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association of more than 72,000 of the world's leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 70 nations and territories. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. For more information, please visit www.mdrt.org and follow them on Twitter @MDRtweet

Artportunity Knocks releases its 2019 Impact Report
January 31, 2020

CLICK HERE TO VIEW 2019 IMPACT REPORT

Artportunity Knocks receives surprise donation from Hearts & Science and Facebook
February 2020

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PRESS RELEASE