DEA Youth Dance Program Expands to Reach Students in 20 Cities Nationwide; Plans to Grow to 30 Cities by 2014

Washington, DC, April 18, 2013 --(PR.com)-- The DEA Youth Dance Program, a prominent after-school dance program in the U.S. positively influencing thousands of kids each year, today announced it has expanded to 20 cities nationwide. Designed to help children turn to the healthy outlet of dance instead of drugs and negative behaviors, the free program is now serving schools in locations including Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Boston, Houston, and Baltimore.

The DEA Youth Dance Program is supported by contributions from the Target Foundation, The Gregory and EJ Milken Foundation, Dizzy Feet Foundation, General Mills Foundation, AnchorFree, The Arts Council of Monterey, and many individuals, who are invited to contribute by visiting www.deaeducationalfoundation.org.

“When we started the DEA Youth Dance Program, we hoped it would change young lives and inspire kids to do something positive with their time and energy,” said Jill Roberts, founder and director of the DEA Youth Dance Program. “What we didn’t realize is the extent that the kids and communities would embrace the program and the opportunity to have free dance classes and DEA-led presentations. The waitlist continues to grow. We’re so thrilled to see the contributions of so many organizations and individuals that have enabled the program to grow. We hope that other individuals will help support the program so it can grow to reach our goal of 30 cities by 2014. A tax-deductible contribution of$25 sponsors a child for a 10-week program.”

Elementary and middle school students may participate in a free 20-week program, designed and led by local professional dance instructors. At the end of the program, students perform at a school assembly. Students can then apply for scholarships at local studios to continue studying dance. To view a video and learn more about the program, visit: http://www.deaeducationalfoundation.org/.

Since its launch in early 2012, the DEA Youth Dance Program has enrolled 725 elementary and middle school kids from 25 schools across the country, with approximately 16,000 kids having viewed the performances and assemblies. Students in the Dance Program come from a diverse range of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. Program goals include incorporating themes such as: Participating in healthy alternatives to drugs and violence; building self-esteem and teamwork; resisting negative peer pressure; and focusing on positive health and attitude.

About the DEA Youth Dance Program
The DEA Youth Dance Program, a successful after-school dance program in the U.S. positively influencing thousands of kids each year, is a free after-school dance program that started under the umbrella of D.A.R.E. America in 1999 and moved to the DEA Educational Foundation in 2012. The alignment with the DEA Educational Foundation allows the organization to maintain current programming in 20 cities for thousands of at-risk students across the United States, as well as grow to support its extensive waitlist. Designed to help children turn to the healthy outlet of dance instead of drugs and negative behaviors, the program is supported by contributions from foundations and individuals. To find out more, or to contribute, visit www.deaeducationalfoundation.org.

Jill Roberts, who founded the program in 1999, is a former professional dancer and an authority in after-school programs and drug education. She was honored by President Obama with the Volunteer Service Award in 2009.