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Tulsa Girls Art School is a no-cost after-school program that provides transformative art instruction, mentorship, youth development, and positive peer support to female at-promise students in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with the goal of fostering resilient, self-determined, and empowered young women. Students are enrolled based on their promise for future growth and success when provided with the needed resources and community support.
“I’ve learned I have the power to change my future.” — NATALIE, AGE 15
The 10-year program, which begins in third grade, runs annually through the spring and fall school semesters plus three weeks during the summertime. Students are provided with physical studio space, transportation, healthy meals and snacks, art supplies, and expert-level instruction in art history and art media.
Students engage in youth development and aspirational experiences through community partners that offer real-world learning in leadership development, civic engagement, online and personal safety, public speaking, fiscal responsibility, and post-secondary preparedness.
Students curate their art for two annual Art School events, where students receive a portion of their art sale proceeds. These proceeds are deposited directly into students’ individual micro-savings accounts to be used for their future educational expenses.
Throughout the program, Art School instructors mentor students in building trust, resolving conflicts, and learning the power of hope and positive thinking.
Tulsa Girls Art School are considered to be at-promise, not at-risk. Students are chosen for enrollment based on their promise for future growth and success when provided with needed resources and community support.
Arts programming access continues to decline in public school systems even though studies show that access to the arts and opportunities for creative outlets have tremendous and long-lasting effects on young people's academic, emotional, and social outcomes, improving their self-esteem, sense of belonging, and hope for the future. This is especially true for females lacking community resources and a consistent support system.
Tulsa Girls Art School impacts 65 female students (and their families) annually, with 95% of students being Black and Latinx.
Tulsa Girls Art School is focused on impacting female students who, provided with the additional resources and support, are equipped to reach their full potential, growing into successful, competent, and independent women.
Often, these students come from single-parent families and low-income backgrounds.
Since its founding, Tulsa Girls Art School has impacted upwards of 1,000 area students with its focused mission to provide a safe, consistent space where students can grow more hopeful and empowered, with a strong belief in themselves and their ability to succeed.
Tulsa Girls Art School Executive Director Adrienne Duffy, left, with two Tulsa Girls Art School graduates who currently serve as Board Interns - Jaiden and Yamya.
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