*Important: Read this page to understand what we are accomplishing through the performing arts.
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New Generation Artist is a non-profit organization that is committed to teaching history,
life-skills, social awareness and raising higher academic standards as an expression
through the performing arts. Young people today live in a different world. They face new
hazards and challenges sometimes unimaginable.
Statics show every day, 30% of all indianapolis public high school students drop out of school. Youth
account for 18 percent of all violent crime in the U.S. and 33 percent of all serious property crime,
Every day 135,000 children carry a gun to school nationwide.
“...While Indiana had a graduation rate higher than the national average in the 1950s,
it now has the worst dropout rates in the state. Test scores declined precipitously.”
• Wikipedia
Justifiably, America’s concern about youth at risk is as prevalent as anxiety over jobs and the economy.
With hopes of reversing this ominous trend, an increasing number of the nation’s 17,000 community
organizations - libraries and parks and recreation sites - are using arts programs to: divert youth
from gangs, drugs and the juvenile justice system, provide a more cost-effective approach with better
results than traditional programs such as boot camps; reduce truancy and improve academic performance; and
build critical self-discipline, communication and job skills.
‘I am very impressed with Jonathan Thompson and the work he is
doing in the Indianapolis Public School System. His influence
with our young people is certainly invaluable. I look forward to
working with him and having him on my television program.’
- Dr. Eugene White
Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools
If you would like to participate in up coming workshops or events, please
contact us to get involved with New Generation
Artists. If you are interested in sponsorship
of a New Generation Artists event or one of the workshops or performance
presentations please let us know so we can get your sponsorship set up.
‘I have witnessed for five years Jonathan
Thompson's capacity to reach our more difficult boys
and develop a positive relationship with them in a mentor
role. His dedication goes beyond the classroom every week
and remains active in their lives far beyond his his job
description requires. His is gifted as a teacher and mentor.
I have seen him mesmerize 300 plus students at a time in our
gymnasium listening to every word. This is not easily
accomplished with our students.’
- Laurie K. Voss
Social Worker/Community Liaison
Thank you again for visiting the New Generation Artist Web site.
