ASAP

After 6 years of impactful and Award Winning programming, The After School Arts Program is facing a disruption, along with many Community Based Organizations across the . These grant cuts do not just impact our program — they impact the future of our students.

ASAP has had returning students over the last 6 years - most enter our program heading into high school. Over the years, we witness their growth, their confidence build, and the light that clicks on when they discover a pathway toward college and a creative career.

Without getting into the critical issues our young students face in a Boston School system where Charter School students are undervalued, are bullied by their teachers, run by Boards which do not have oversight by DESE, in addition to being excluded as Boston Public School students — After School Programs become a safe haven where students get to see facilitators who represent their neighborhoods, their ethnicity, and their livelihood. They begin to blossom in environments that care about their well being and want them to succeed.

These funding cuts are cruel, and come at a critical juncture in their lives.

As our students face a summer of unemployment due to new criteria and systemic barriers which prevent our organization from running this summer, we are facing the challenge of having to put summer programming on hold. I am sharing the letters we began to receive a week ago — today, we are uncertain if we will receive our Boston Cultural Council Grant. Without these grants, we are unable to move forward with summer programming, which is a detriment to ASAP and programming across the city — but especially for our students expecting to return this summer.

A blanket chain of letters will not save the lives of Boston youth left without jobs or enrichment activities this summer. DM us for those interested in supporting our program this summer. Running Mid July - August 2026. Feel free to

The stands with all youth in the City of advocating for this summer and beyond. Let today’s rally at City Hall be an indication of the impact and need. The urgency and a cry for help.

Our program began receiving letters this past weekend of the funding cuts, which affects our summer too. Systemic barriers have prevented us from applying to city agencies for youth employment. Which means we can not hire youth this summer.

Budget cuts amongst the most vulnerable populations in this city is shameful. This is a trickle down of poor leadership and an administration that is a failure.

We are proud of our youth leaders exercising their rights and advocating for themselves. we are with you. 💪🏾✊🏾 we call on every in this city who care more about our youth than proximity to power to lead the charge, together. Our young people need all hands on deck. Shame on

BIG CONGRATULATIONS to for your WIN, playing the roles of “Smoke” and “Stack” in the movie SINNERS (Directed by ). 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

Our Founder and Executive Director , pictured with Michael B. here, attended in New York City for an exclusive sneak peek of his first major role, “Red Tails” — back then, her thriving online publication Crème was securing major content with top talent, and today’s icons, on their rise up. 🚀

3 years ago, when his film broke the franchise record for a sports movie, we wrote this about him. 👇🏾 still true. Below are a few takeaways to learn from his career.

⭐️ Perseverance — he kept going, after the WIRE.
⭐️ FOCUS — it’s not the QUANTITY of roles, but the QUALITY of roles. You never see him everywhere. Just the right places.
⭐️ Representation Matters — the roles he chooses are BLACK and EMPOWERING. Which leads us to,
⭐️ Authenticity — the power of originality and uncovering your true authentic self resonates
⭐️ A great team. A team with vision will take you far.
⭐️ Don’t give up on your dreams.

At the we teach our students to find their voice which leads to a path of originality and authenticity in film and journalism careers. 💫

DEAR COMMUNITY - The has been in existence for 5 years offering high quality film programming and enrichment opportunities for youth 14-17.

We’re still a young organization, which means. ASAP does not have the infrastructure or the financial capacity to meet the new criteria of the program, which allows us to employ our youth during the school year and summer.

Although we have been awarded the City of Boston “Emerging Youth Organization” and are leaders in youth development, we no longer meet the requirements of:

✅ Covering 1 payroll cycle of $15/hr for 15 students, max 10 hours per week.
👉🏾 Additionally, the classroom space we had this year has flooded! We are seeking a state of art facility to run our after school program.
🗣️ We need your support

We are searching for a payroll partner to cover payroll this year. Our program kicks off February vacation and ends April vacation.

💲Funding needs —> 10 hours per week for 15 enrolled students @ $15/hr.
💯 or a funding match of $10k to provide weekly stipends.

ASAP offers FREE programming, and covers all meals, and enrichment trips at no charge to parents. REACH OUT TO US VIA EMAIL: [email protected] if you are available to support! We look forward to hearing from you.