Grant funding and personal, hands-on coaching from the Idaho Out-of-School Network had “an incredible impact” on a music-focused afterschool program in Boise, according to its executive director.
“Our goal is to empower youth via arts education. We hear from youth and families daily letting us know the value and impact of our programming,” explained Boise Rock School cofounder and executive director Ryan Peck.
The Boise Rock School used grant funding from the network to bolster staffing and make a handful of equipment upgrades. With the additional staffing, the school started a new Apprentice Program to mentor a group of past students into teachers and leaders in the program.
“Our Apprentice Program is empowering, organic, and innovative,” said Peck. “The funding allowed us to find the time to tackle the Apprentice Program.”
Additionally, the network provided one-on-one support for following the Idaho Building Blocks for Out-of-School Time Quality. “The Building Blocks process was incredibly valuable and impactful,” said Peck. “It was so helpful to see all our organization goals and topics in one location.”
At Boise Rock School, students learn how to play their instrument as well as the ins-and-outs of being in a band. “The band setting allows for social and emotional growth while also placing a focus on teamwork, communication, and accountability,” explained Peck.
They also have digital media arts classes in graphic design, photography, filmmaking, and podcasting. Founded in 2008, the nonprofit works to empower youth. Its most popular class sees 400 students weekly, and many of these students attend on scholarship. Peck said: “We don’t turn anyone away for inability to pay.”
Looking forward, the school has plans to finalize the buildout of their new building, including a recording studio and all-ages venue.
“The most valuable aspect of the funding was being able to adequately staff our organization,” said Peck.
He added that other out-of-school programs would find the Building Blocks to be as valuable as he found. “I’d encourage any program to look at them. We inherently have an idea of our organization goals, but having a document that allows an organization to quickly ascertain strengths and weaknesses in a rigorous way is incredibly important.”
Learn more about the Building Blocks at https://idahooutofschool.org/buildingblocks/
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