Throughout December, we are highlighting each of the organizations featured in our Jersey Give-Back Guide, which is a website designed to help you learn about some of New Jersey’s most effective nonprofits as you are thinking about making your year-end donations. On Day 6 of the “15 Days of Generating Generosity” we are featuring the second of the four El Sistema-inspired programs in New Jersey: New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
EL SISTEMA
El Sistema is a music training program designed to build self esteem, leadership, teamwork and music skills for disadvantaged kids. Their approach emphasizes working as a team in an ensemble, encouraging students to teach and learn from one another, while also experiencing the joy and fun of musical learning. El Sistema produces truly talented musicians, and it is not an exaggeration to say that it has dramatically changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of our nation’s neediest kids. We are thrilled to have FOUR unique El Sistema programs in New Jersey. Donate to one nearest you: Camden, Newark, Paterson or Union City.
NEW JERSEY SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (NEWARK)
The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra runs an innovative education program at University Heights Charter School (UHCS) in Newark, in partnership with the school. Inspired by the social development and music education program El Sistema in Venezuela, the NJSO pilot program develops students’ goal-directed behavior and skills to foster social and academic success, improving their self-esteem, academic achievement and lifelong character traits like perseverance and leadership.
Through the pilot program, 25 UHCS students in grades four through six are receiving intensive after-school violin instruction for two hours per day, three days per week.
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RESOURCES
- To learn more about New Jersey Symphony Orchestra’s El Sistema program, please visit their website.
- Ready to make a donation? Ok! Please go to the Jersey Give-Back Guide, and click on El Sistema. With just a few easy clicks, you can help girls grow into confident women through the power of music.
REMINDER
- The Dodge Foundation is offering $1,000 challenge grants to each of the organizations featured in the Jersey Give-Back Guide. To be eligible, each organization must receive at least 50 donations through the Guide by December 31st. Help them reach their goal and get that extra $1,000!