Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the City Clerk to enter into a grant agreement with Momentum-Excellence, Inc., a non profit entity, in support of programming for school-aged children.
Momentum provides a joyful, supportive and rigorous dance, music, and performance program for children that emphasizes self-confidence, resilience, perseverance and teamwork. The program imparts the lifelong skills and habits boys and girls need to travel their own path to success. Programs are delivered in elementary schools during the school day and in out of school settings during after-school and evening hours. Momentum’s impact on the children it serves has far reaching influence on the school cultures where the program is delivered, the families of participants, and ultimately the communities in which they live. As both an arts and a human service organization, Momentum shares Columbus City Council’s priority to build thriving, healthy and connected neighborhoods by providing life enhancing, developmental and safe activities for children. By engaging children in their formative years, Momentum is shaping their future and that of our community for the better.
Momentum serves 1,600 children annually from preschool through middle school. The majority attend Columbus City Schools with additional participants from Hilliard City Schools, and local charter schools, United Schools Network and Kipp. More than 75% of the children are from economically disadvantaged families and have limited opportunities to participate in the arts. Program offerings include preschool classes that promote kindergarten readiness, year-long classes during the school day for elementary students that culminate in a grand spring production, after-school classes at youth serving agencies, and Advanced Team classes for middle school age youth during out of school hours. These young people comprise Momentum’s Community Performance Troupe that performs at cultural and civic events. There is no cost to fami...
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