BALTIMORE
WASHINGTON DMV, NEWYORK
Organizations Served
Testimonials
Joan Goodson, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Teacher
ULEI-Urban Latin Enrichment Initiative
Highlantown School 215,
"I was introduced to Kariz by Creative Alliance in Highlandtown. This very diverse group of students were excited to attend this program where they enjoyed working with a professional recording artist, to produce and perform a song. The students were connected on Facebook with other students who had similar musical opportunities. The group was invited to sing at a Gifted and Talented program at the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in Baltimore City. What a wonderful opportunity for young teens to actually have an opportunity to work with Kariz Kids in learning the world of making music recordings!"
Le'Joy White, Director of C.A.R.E. Program
Carmelo Youth Development Center
What prompted you to seek Kariz Kids Services? What situation or problem did you need to solve?
Kariz and I met at a training for youth development professionals. We had the opportunity to discuss how important youth development is for both of us. Kariz had an apparent passion for youth and a connection with his students. When I learned of Kariz Kids Services, I immediately wanted to have the program as a part of my afterschool program. I was seeking enrichment programs that would interest my middle school students, provide them with a creative outlet, and that offered a unique way for them to learn about business and business management. MIddle school aged students are a very difficult group to keep in an afterschool program because they have so many options. We were seeking a way to draw these students into a safe environment that offered diverse programming that interest them.
What made you believe that Kariz Kids was the best for achieving your desired result?
I believed in Kariz and his vision for the program. He had established programs around the city but was looking for opportunities to expand into more communities. I believed that the program had a strong structure and curriculum that would appeal to our students and attract more middle school students to our program.
What are the two most significant improvements that have resulted from your work with Kariz Kids?
Once Kariz Kids started with our program, I saw our middle school students more interested in coming to our program. I also saw excitement about the project they were completing. Our students started off very hesitant to participate in the program. I actually had to give them a pep talk about why they should get involved. After one session of Kariz Kids the students were hooked. Students displayed talents that we did not know they had. By the end of our summer session the students had a completed CD that they sold at our end of the summer celebration. Also, they performed a few songs for those in attendance. The students were proud of their achievements and students wanted the program to return during the school year.
Describe why you feel that working with Kariz Kids was successful.
Kariz Kids was successful because it was something that truly spoke to our students. It made the music industry a real reality for our students. It took something that was glamorized and showed students the real work and commitment required to be successful. The program was also fun for students and that is due to the talented Kariz Kids staff that work with our students each day. The staff built a positive mentoring relationship with students, which allowed them to learn and grow.