Baltimore Youth Arts

Every summer, we create space for young people to build skills, earn money, and express themselves through art. Many of the youth in our program have experienced instability, court involvement, or systems that limit their opportunities. At Baltimore Youth Arts, we believe they deserve more. Our Studio Apprentice Program is a 5-week, paid creative workforce program that will engage 20 youth and 4 youth leaders in hands-on artmaking, professional development, field trips, and community-building activities. Many participants return session after session, not just for the paycheck, but because they know their ideas and contributions matter at BYA. For newer youth, this is often their first paid job and the first time they’re in a space where they’re truly seen, supported, and valued. Due to recent funding cuts, we’re facing a gap in support for our summer session. But we’re committed to showing up for youth regardless. With your help, we can still deliver the kind of creative, community-centered experience our participants count on. $15,500 gets us there. Here's how every dollar will help shape the summer: $2,000 for art supplies so youth can design, create, and experiment $2,000 for field trips that connect youth to new ideas, people, and possibilities $2,500 for snacks, meals, and food for orientation and Mock Interview Day $5,000 for operational costs that make the program run smoothly $4,000 to pay youth leaders and staff who show up every day with care and consistency Last summer, 95% of participants completed the full session , 80% returned to work with us again , and several re-engaged with education, jobs, or other community opportunities. With your help, we can keep building those pathways! We’re not just teaching art, we are building trust, skills, and long-term support. Your donation helps fund that future. Let’s make this summer full of growth, creativity, and real opportunity. Thank you for believing in Baltimore youth. Link to BYA's Wishlist: https://a.co/6iwbjr4

Baltimore Youth Arts (BYA) is a creative entrepreneurship program that gives young people—especially those involved in the justice system—the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. The program empowers youth ages 14-25 by providing artistic, entrepreneurial, and leadership opportunities to help them build brighter futures. BYA's mission to give this young community of artists a safe, autonomous space to experiment and transform is incredibly vital and has had great success helping youth find the skills and confidence to become leaders in their communities. If your journey has been assisted by finding the community of artists you thrive with, consider supporting BYA. This year BYA has a fundraising goal of $25,000. Personally, I’m hoping to contribute $5,000 through my network of friends, family, and collaborators. Your donation, whether $50, $100, or more, will go directly toward helping BYA continue to provide artistic, entrepreneurial, and leadership programs for youth who need it most. Let’s come together to support this incredible organization and the young people who will go on to shape our world in positive, creative ways.