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CR8 Club: Fueling Creativity and Learning

At Kennedy Heights Arts Center, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to inspire creativity, build confidence and foster well-being. Our CR8 (pronounced “create”) Club after-school program at John P. Parker Elementary and the Academy of World Languages (AWL) is at the heart of this mission. With a focus on visual and performing arts, creative writing, and social emotional learning, the CR8 Club offers underserved students a chance to engage in a wide range of enriching activities, all while building critical life skills.

The need for programs like CR8 Club has only grown since the COVID pandemic disrupted traditional learning environments. Many students experienced significant gaps in learning and social interaction, leaving them feeling disconnected. CR8 Club steps in to bridge that gap by providing a safe, supportive space for kids to reconnect, express themselves, and regain their social confidence through the arts.

The Ohio Department of Education recognized the need for after-school enrichment programming to help students who were negatively impacted by the pandemic, especially in urban schools, and awarded Kennedy Heights Arts Center a two-year grant to implement the Cr8 Club at two Cincinnati Public Schools.

The free after-school and summer program served 186 students in K-6th grade. 98% were students of color and 100% qualified for the federal free and reduced lunch program.

As Shawndale Thomas, after-school program coordinator at John P. Parker, shared, “The pandemic left many students without essential social skills, and we wanted to make sure that the arts were a key part of rebuilding those skills.” The CR8 Club helps students not only develop their artistic abilities but also learn how to regulate their emotions, solve problems, and work together.

Building Social and Emotional Skills through the Arts

At the heart of CR8 Club is the intentional focus on social emotional learning (SEL). Through the arts, students are encouraged to express themselves, connect with others, and develop emotional intelligence—all skills that are more important now than ever. Shawndale emphasized “We wanted to make sure the arts were not just an add-on but a core part of supporting students’ learning and social development.” 

In partnership with nonprofit The Well, the program incorporates SEL into every aspect of its curriculum. Whether students are learning theater, visual arts, or dance, they are also developing skills like empathy, communication, and self-awareness.

Carolyn Youngquist, after-school enrichment manager at Academy of World Languages, noted, “Our goal is to see increased engagement in both the arts and learning, helping students rev up for the social world again after such a long time apart.” Results show a marked improvement in students’ problem-solving abilities and social interactions as they progress through the program.

CR8 Club’s success in boosting students’ social emotional well-being is reflected in the data. A year-end report showed that 81% of students ended the program demonstrating “typical” or “strong” social skills for their age, up from 57% at the start of the year. The integrated approach ensures that students are not only growing artistically but also emotionally, preparing them for life beyond the classroom.

You can hear more about this vital component from Shawndale and Carolyn in the following video.

The Power of Creative Expression: A Look at the Lion King Jr.

One of the highlights of the CR8 Club last year was our production of Disney’s The Lion King Jr. at John P. Parker School. What made this project special was the way it engaged every student in the program—whether they were acting and singing, dancing, creating costumes, designing sets, or handling stage management, each student had a role to play. Students worked tirelessly with professional teaching artists including Jason Holmes, David Choate/Revolution Dance, and Kashia Ellis-Taylor to bring the show to life, with the project culminating in a heartwarming performance in May.

The production was more than just an artistic endeavor. For many students, it was their first time participating in such a large-scale collaborative project. Every aspect of the performance was an opportunity to build skills—artistic and social alike. The collaboration across disciplines—choir, dance, theatre, visual arts—fostered a sense of teamwork and unity among the students.

The impact of The Lion King Jr. production extended beyond the performance. Students who had initially been shy or disengaged began to open up as they saw their contributions come to life on stage. One student, Syia, a kindergartener on the autism spectrum, experienced a dramatic improvement in her communication skills throughout the process. The project gave her an opportunity to connect with her peers and build her confidence in ways that traditional classroom settings hadn’t.

Behind-the-scenes footage from the production showcases just how engaged the students were in bringing this magical show to life.

Transforming Lives One Art Class at a Time

CR8 Club’s impact goes beyond artistic expression; it’s about personal growth. Through a combination of art, social emotional learning, and academic enrichment, the program is helping students develop essential life skills that will serve them long after they leave the classroom.

Take Christopher, for example, a naturally gifted musician who found his passion for performance through the CR8 Club. Not only did he wow audiences in the Lion King Jr. production, he was recruited to join the prestigious Cincinnati Boy Choir, a testament to the talent nurtured through the program.

Another example is Jolie and Josiah, twin siblings who joined the program feeling shy and disconnected from their peers. Over time, CR8 Club gave them a safe space to build friendships and explore their creative interests. Through activities like painting and puppet-making, they were able to express themselves in new ways and develop a sense of belonging.

These stories are a powerful reminder of how the arts can transform lives, especially for students who may not otherwise have access to such opportunities.

Data from our year-end report underscores the program’s effectiveness. Students who participated in CR8 Club had significantly higher school attendance rates—92.16% compared to 87.95% for students not in the program​. Moreover, 76% of participants showed consistent or improved engagement throughout the year, demonstrating how the program keeps students excited and invested in their learning.

Join Us in Supporting the Future of Arts Education

CR8 Club is a shining example of how the arts can inspire, empower, and transform young lives. Through creative projects and meaningful community partnerships, we’re helping students develop not only as artists but as confident, emotionally aware individuals. The impact is clear—students are more engaged, more connected, and better prepared to face the world with confidence and creativity.

If you’ve been moved by the stories of transformation happening at Kennedy Heights Arts Center, we invite you to be part of the change. Whether by volunteering or making a donation, your support ensures that programs like CR8 Club continue to thrive and grow, providing more students with the opportunities they need to succeed.

Donate today.