Arts for Oakland Kids jobs and careers

About Arts for Oakland Kids

Arts for Oakland Kids is a 501(c)3 charitable fund based in Oakland, CA. Our mission is to ensure that every Oakland student has access to an exceptional arts education, regardless of race, wealth, or circumstance. Since our founding 1996, we have sponsored nearly 250 arts programs at dozens of public schools, reaching over 32,000 students. Studies consistently show that students who have access to arts programs not only grow up to be happier, healthier adults, but also outperform their aged-matched peers across a wide range of measurable categories: According to the National Arts Administration, low-income students with an education rich in arts have higher average GPAs and score higher on standardized testing; these same students are twice as likely to graduate from college, four times as likely to be recognized for an academic achievement, three times more likely to be elected to class office, and four times more likely to participate in a math or science fair. Roughly 67.3% of OUSD students are Black or Hispanic/Latinx and over 60% qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, meaning that -- in Oakland -- lack of access to public arts education disproportionately affects minority communities and those already experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. AOK is fighting to address these racial and socio-economic injustices by offering $5000 mini-grants that put local artists and educators where they need to be -- in the classroom -- so they can share their passion and expertise with Oakland's neediest students and inspire the next generation of Bay Area artists. We support all artistic disciplines, from painting and photography to dance and fashion design. We work closely with our grantees, conducting regular site-visits and collecting exit-survey data to ensure that students receive the highest quality programming possible. Help us put art back in the classroom by donating generously.