June 2022

Students in the Mann Motion & Music Academy (MMA) program performed for family and friends at the Mann Center in May. Delphi Project Foundation helps support the program which includes dance, drumming, and choir programming for students from Global Leadership Academy (GLA). MMA features professional instructors from Philadelphia Ballet, MadBeatz Philly, and Sister Cities Choir. From October to May, the students worked with their instructors in twice a week after school classes. Sixty-two students participated in this year’s program.

The program is driven by three pillars:

• Access & Excellence: Regardless of zip code, all children deserve arts education and access to new arts experiences such as concerts, art exhibits, and the opportunity to perform for others.
• Culturally Responsive Arts Education: Students receive arts instruction representing multiple traditions and cultures, which provides rich, inclusive curriculum.
• Community: The programs focuses on bolstering community through the arts.

GLA is located in one of the most financially challenged zip codes in Philadelphia. GLA prides itself on its art-centered focus curriculum and stresses the importance of giving students the opportunity to express themselves. Ms. Booker, the principal of GLA, stated that "exposure to the arts helps to close the achievement gap. The entire school community, children, staff, and parents, benefit from this partnership with the Mann Center. Arts bring love and spirit to the school community."