UPAF Bright Minds
UPAF Bright Minds, presented by We Energies Foundation, delivers high-quality arts education programming, preparing students with the tools to be successful in work and life. Collectively, UPAF’s 14 Member Groups impact the lives of over 30,000 children — many of them underserved — through in-classroom and after-school programming. Each year, Members provide more than 10,000 hours of high-quality arts education in music, song and dance. Studies indicate a strong connection between performing arts participation and positive mental health, with frequent engagement leading to reduced anxiety, loneliness, and increased feelings of purpose and belonging.
UPAF’s comprehensive arts education program evaluation measures student growth across five skills deemed essential to future success:
UPAF’s Member Groups lead the nation in innovative and proven arts education programs, including:
- First Stage Theater Academy, the nation’s largest theater training program for young people
- Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Arts in Community Education (ACE) program, which trains teachers to use the arts and music as tools for teaching core subjects
- Danceworks Mad Hot Rhythm, teaching life skills by integrating dance classes into regular school curriculum for more than 2,500 local students
With a gift of $1,200 or more, you can designate a portion of your gift to UPAF Bright Minds or one of our other Community Impact Programs and change countless lives through the performing arts.
It surprised me how happy I was dancing. The experience changed how active I was. I learned to be more patient. Being part of this makes me feel like part of a team. I liked best that I became friends with new people.
Lola