Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) announced its support for Sitar Arts Center (Sitar) in its work to provide high-quality out-of-school-time education and experiences in visual, digital and performing arts to children and youth. Sitar will be WWPR’s pro bono client for the 2018-2019 term.

“WWPR’s membership offers a deep reserve of talent, skill and resources in public relations and communications,” said Danielle Veira, 2018 president of WWPR. “While we come together for fellowship, professional development and networking as members of WWPR, we are women living and working in the Washington area community first. The Pro Bono Committee’s work is a special opportunity to give value back to the community, something WWPR has done for 25 years, and we look forward to helping Sitar deepen its impact in our city during the next two years.”

Sitar’s success shows the value of creative youth development. Sitar reserves 80 percent of their enrollment for students from households making 50 percent or less of area median income.  More than 900 children each year are engaged in the Center’s disciplines in creative writing, dance, digital arts, drama, music and visual arts. They also become proficient in 21^st century skills that are vital to later success in life — how to communicate effectively, collaborate, think critically, take initiative and be accountable. More than 400 teens have completed Sitar’s workforce development program that propels students toward college and career readiness. Currently, 93 percent of Sitar’s alumni are enrolled in a two or four-year college or university.

The Center also offers an annual Broadway-style summer musical as part of its six-week Camp Sitar program, an instrument music academy and a performance and gallery series. Since 1998, Sitar has worked to develop unique coursework and opportunities alongside partners like The Washington Ballet, National Symphony Orchestra, DC Jazz Festival and Meridian Hill Pictures, allowing children and youth to benefit from working with professionals of the highest caliber.

“WWPR’s belief in Sitar Art Center’s mission and demonstrated value in the lives of children, youth and families is an incredible validation of our work. We are honored and excited to be chosen as WWPR’s pro bono client,” said Sitar’s Executive Director Maureen Dwyer.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has also acknowledged Sitar’s tremendous work with the Arts to provide a well-rounded education to children and youth in the District. Mayor Bowser selected Sitar as the site for her February 5 announcement of the launch of Learn24, a new initiative to ensure children and youth have access to quality educational and enrichment activities beyond the regular school day. Sitar’s Arts Afterschool Program is a 2017 grant recipient from the District’s Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes.

Through strategic communications support, WWPR will increase community awareness of Sitar’s work, whose excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including: the 2017 Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence in Arts Education, the most prestigious honor conferred by the District of Columbia to individual artists, teachers, and arts organizations; a 2015 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management from The Washington Post for its outstanding organizational management, including fiscal management and use of technology; and a 2009 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, the nation’s highest honor for after-school and out-of-school-time arts and humanities programs―also known as Creative Youth Development programs―that celebrate the creativity of America’s young people, particularly those from underserved communities.