AOTA Youth Organization (AYO)

What is AYO?

As a result of working with our youth during their transition into adulthood, it became apparent that our young people need additional mentoring to help them sort through all of the possibilities that life has to offer. At the beginning of 2022, we began piloting a program called AOTA Youth Organization (AYO).

AYO is an applied creative arts fellowship program that prepares students for a variety of professional pathways.

It offers a three-year residency where participants attend presentations from industry professionals, gain scholarship opportunities, are exposed to different forms of artistic expression, and eventually are afforded paid opportunities to teach and perform on behalf of the organization.

ayo cohorts:

Fellows (First Year)

Craftsmen (Second Year)

Griots (Third Year)

Each year builds upon the previous one with a focus on artistic, personal, educational, and professional growth.

FAQ’s:

What are the ayo principles/values?

Respect Yourself
Respect the Culture
Respect the Community
Show Up
Embrace the Best Version of Yourself
Enter Into Activities with Confidence and Honesty

What are the ayo goals?

To foster a vibrant community for young artists
To connect youth with community partners and opportunities
To expose youth to a variety of creative pathways
To support youth in the pursuit of wholeness and knowledge of self.
To develop leadership skills

When does AYO meet?

The program meets twice monthly for a total of 24 sessions per year. Some of these sessions include AOTA community events.

Who are the ayo Community partners?

Lansing Promise
Lansing School District
MSUFCU
Gear Up
LCC

What does my (my child’s) commitment look like?

Students will attend 1-2 in-person or virtual sessions lasting roughly 1.5hrs each (unless noted otherwise IE: volunteer opportunity or outing)
Students are expected to serve on a committee for AOTA. (1 monthly virtual mtg)

Listen:

The first cohort of AYO participants were commissioned by the Lansing Promise to create a Lansing Anthem. They delivered and performed it in front of the whole city during the Lansing Promise Gala at Lugnuts Stadium. Listen below: