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Education

Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring organization, holds itself accountable for children in its program to achieve measurable outcomes, such as educational success; avoidance of risky behaviors; and higher aspirations, greater confidence and better relationships. Partnering with parents/guardians, schools, corporations and others in the community, Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully pairs children (“Littles”) with screened volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) and monitors and supports these one-to-one mentoring matches throughout their course. The first-ever Big Brothers Big Sisters Youth Outcomes Summary, released in 2012, substantiates that its mentoring programs have proven, positive academic, socio-emotional and behavioral outcomes for youth, areas linked to high school graduation, avoidance of juvenile delinquency and college or job readiness.

Grand Prairie Arts Council
The Grand Prairie Arts Council (GPAC) was incorporated in 1979, as an independent 501(C)3 cultural arts organization, to produce and promote visual and performing arts in Grand Prairie, Texas. GPAC continues to be the only cultural arts organization operating year-round in the city of Grand Prairie with a paid Executive Director, and volunteer Board of Directors. Each year GPAC produces five theatre productions, four weeks of Children’s Arts Programming, a month-long Outdoor Concert Series, Adult Juried Art Show and various Student Juried Art Shows. GPAC also provides funding to local arts organizations, and educational scholarships. GPAC operated successfully for 29 years in various venues borrowed and rented throughout the city. In 2005, the city of Grand Prairie purchased the Main Street Uptown Movie House and reconstructed the facility into a live performance theater space. The Uptown features a 400-seat theater with professional backstage facilities, Orchestra Pit, Lobby Art Gallery, and Studio Theater. The Uptown is a city-owned and operated facility providing GPAC with a performance venue. The Arts Council operates from rental space at 116 East Main Street, next door to the Uptown; the Studio is GPAC’s home base with workshop and storage space. In 2012, GPAC secured additional space at the city's Veteran's Park Center. This facility has allowed GPAC to mimic the stage at the Uptown Theater and rehearse productions uninterrupted for entire rehearsal periods of 6-8 weeks. It also provides classroom space for GPAC's Summer in the Arts Children's Program. The theatre branch of the organization provides revenues needed to fund additional free and low-cost programs and events throughout the year. GPAC obtains additional funding support for productions, events and exhibits through grants, private and public foundations, and individual donations.