WINGS for kids

Annie Burton

WINGS for kids mission is to offer high-quality and effective social and emotional learning. The organization works towards this aim because research shows that strong social and emotional skills are key to helping kids succeed in school, be prepared for the workforce, and become positive and healthy contributors to society.

UMAR

Amy Vaughn

UMAR promotes community inclusion, independence, and growth for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential, vocational, and cultural enrichment opportunities. At arts centers, UMAR staff teach vocational art skills to participants, providing opportunities to pursue their passion and their interests while developing the capacity to be more self sufficient.

The Red Boot Coalition

Molly Barker

Whether it’s race, politics, religion, or gender, there seems to be no escaping “us vs. them” rhetoric. By creating intentional conversations for people to practice honest sharing and compassionate listening, the Red Boot Coalition program equips participants with tools to more deeply engage and build trust within their communities.

The Pollution Detectives

Francis Koster ED. D.

The Pollution Detectives are creating a locally-based, nationally-replicable program to enable citizen scientists to uncover invisible threats to fetal development and human health using emerging electronic devices, social media, and crowd-sourced geomaps. The Pollution Detectives educate potential “detectives,” arrange loaner detection equipment, and coach how to publicly present findings effectively.

Queen City Robotics Alliance

Lia L Schwinghammer

Queen City Robotics Alliance (QCRA) provides opportunities and space for students to participate in STEM programs. QCRA aims to reach more students, focusing on engaging underrepresented and underserved populations in STEM. By operating a robotics zone, community outreach, and hosting/supporting robotics competitions in the region, QCRA reaches over 5000 people.

MusicalMinds NC

Mary Lynn Baldwin

MusicalMinds is a free music program that teaches music literacy to underserved children starting with pre-K. This after-school program is designed to create social change by promoting self-esteem, teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility through playing the violin and performing in various venues throughout the greater Charlotte area.

LilySarahGrace

Emily Lopez

LilySarahGrace (LSG) seeks to transform public elementary schools into child-centered learning environments that meet the needs of all learners while preparing creative, 21st century, global citizens. LSG focuses on Arts-Infused, Inquiry-Based Learning as the primary vehicle for educational impact and offers both professional development and grants to educators.

KNOW Charlotte (Levine Museum of the New South)

Brenda Tindal

As we continue to use history to build community and influence Charlotte’s future, Levine Museum of the New South will launch KNOW Charlotte— historian-led enrichment and interactive experiences for executives, educators, civic leaders, and community members that place Charlotte into historical context while inspiring cross-cultural and civic engagement.

Hip Hop Orchestrated

Kia Octavia Moore

Hip Hop Orchestrated is transforming people’s love for music into social capital to tackle the issue of upward mobility. This program blends Hip Hop and Orchestral music to connect people from various classes, races, ages and genders. A common love for music can transform into a genuine friendship.

Great Outdoors University (NCWF)

Mary Bures

North Carolina Wildlife Federation’s Great Outdoors University (GoU) is a conservation-based, experiential education program. GoU brings outdoor adventures to underserved kids of all ages who have limited opportunities to explore and discover the natural world. GoU ignites curiosity, excitement and awe in ways that encourage continued learning and stewardship.