What They're Saying

Educators and administrators are talking about the positive impact Inside Out is having on Los Angeles-area youth:

 

“With its focus on middle-school youth, The School Project serves a particularly underserved population within the Los Angeles Unified School District. Inside Out’s well-developed curriculum strengthens young people’s art skills and, through a collaborative play creation process, enables youth to express their ideas and feelings about important issues in their lives… I am most impressed with Inside Out’s commitment to foster tolerance among diverse groups of young people.”

The School Project effectively responds to the urgent needs of our over-burdened public school system, demonstrating the high degree to which after-school programs can effect positive change in the lives of young people. The School Project is a model after-school arts program and I strongly encourage others to support the valuable contribution it makes to our city’s youth.”
-- Leslie A. Thomas, Community Arts Director, City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department

 

“...when that child returns to court or his or her Compliance Hearing, that child is so proud, filled with self-esteem, confidence, and purpose at having completed this court-ordered program. It's this sense of pride and accomplishment that prevents kids from joining gangs or partaking in other risk-taking behavior."
-- Pamela A. Davis, Judge, LA Superior Court, Juvenile Division

 

"Inside Out not only contributes significantly to the spirit of hope and achievement at our school, but has also helped us change the culture of our school."
-- Dr. Cristopher C. Ciegel, Principal

 

“...Inside Out is an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime for most of our students. It allows them to participate in an enriched cultural and educational experience they could not otherwise afford. It is an amazing experience for everyone involved."
-- Michael Taft, Assistant Principal

 

“The positive affects that I observed in my students...were no less than life altering for many of the Special Education participants."
-- Special Ed. teacher

 

“I truly love this program. Over the years, I have watched students increase their academic performance and behavior in and out of the classroom."
-- Math teacher

 

“I’m so glad the program has blessed so many students such as Wendy, whose interests in dramatic expression have the opportunity to be utilized. The student-written & performed skits that were presented a few weeks ago were phenomenal!”
-- English teacher, Nightingale Middle School

 

“Inside Out has given this student an opportunity to show off her talents as a creative writer in a safe environment. Students have an opportunity to express feeling & emotions with their peers without ridicule. It also exposes student to a world & people they would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. Inside Out is the only creative after school program our school has. I feel it is vital for creative minded students.”
-- English teacher, Nightingale Middle School

 

Referring to ESL Students… “It gives the students a sense of duty, discipline and reinforces their language skills.”
-- ESL English teacher, Nightingale Middle School