The MPWRD After-school Program (MAP)  is a comprehensive year-long initiative based on the core musical theater competencies of MC Inc. (also see FOCUS AREAS). Committed to our mission of serving youth (ages 6-18 years old), the program is comprised of 4 modules:

1. The Stylus Project (academic)

To foster improved literacy outcomes MC Inc. will engage youth in diverse approaches to creative writing. In the process youth will be exposed to multiple sources of literature and writing styles, encouraged to read independently and aloud, provided assistance in grammar and spelling, and engaged in critical thinking. This module will be divided into 4 quarters with specific emphasis on the following: Poetry Writing, Songwriting, Short Story Development, and Speech Writing. The program will have a particular focus on highlighting minority writers in the United States both past and present so that participants can develop a deeper sense of pride being a writer. By making the program fun, engaging, and relevant, the Stylus Project will show improved academic outcomes in reading comprehension and Language Arts scores for the program participants.  

 2. The Arts Collective (performing arts)

Focused on cultivating well rounded theater performers, this module is divided into 4 focal areas: dance, music/voice, drama, and theater management. For the dance component, students will focus on learning Steppin’, African Dance, Reggae, and Hip-Hop choreography along with the history behind these dance forms.  They will additionally engage in freestyle interpretative dances utilizing poetry written by students in the Stylus Project. In the second quarter, participants will learn a variety of American folk songs in addition to songs from the African Diaspora. In conjunction with that they will learn about African drumming and the creation and use of a variety of percussion instruments. They will explore pop-culture music and how it is used as a vehicle to stir social discourse. They will also learn and perform songs/raps created by participants in the Stylus Project. The third quarter will focus on developing acting styles, character development, learning improv, performance techniques, and tips to line memorization, among other aspects surrounding the dramatic arts.

To close out the program year, participants will learn about theater management including, designing sets, hair, makeup, and costume, stage directing and management. Participants will also create their own vlogs and blogs, design a variety of printed promotional materials, edit and produce multi-media projects including videos and audio tracks, and provide technical assistance for theatrical productions and special events hosted by MC Inc. Participants will maintain both a paper and digital portfolio of their work throughout the year and will participate in quarterly evaluations to ascertain their level of proficiency in the identified subject area.

3. By Design (social emotional learning)

This module is incorporated into our primary program areas with an emphasis on developing a variety of soft and social skills such as self-esteem, respect, empathy, communication, team building, resilience, and affective intelligence. This component is accomplished through ice-breaker activities, workshops, and seminars throughout the year. Throughout the year, youth also work on the creation of a variety of media content promoting values we espouse and encouraging pro-social youth behaviors. Our desire is to foster the growth and development of well-adjusted young people who can positively contribute to society. We encourage self-acceptance, and promote diversity and inclusion. We also encourage our youth to attend the WKND SYNC outdoor camping experiences where they are provided an opportunity to disconnect from technology, nurture their independence and develop healthy relationships with their peers and adults.  Our MPWRD XPRNC arts camp also has a heavy focus on social emotional learning. 

4. Momentum Leadership Program (leadership)

This module places a strong emphasis on leadership development, college and career readiness, entrepreneurship, life skills, and civic engagement. This particular module is geared specifically for our 10th – 12th grade program participants but open to younger participants if they demonstrate a requisite level of maturity.  For the first two quarters, this component will focus on youth development. Participants will attend workshops focused on proper etiquette and decorum especially in public settings. There will also be workshops focused on business and financial management, job preparedness, public speaking, mediation and conflict resolution, and leadership development. Other components include, but are not limited to, college preparedness and workforce development. Participants will also attend college tours, job fairs, and business mixers as part of this experience.

The third quarter focuses on entrepreneurship. In the implementation of the entrepreneurship program, there will be a strong focus on mathematics, economics, accounting (including the use of accounting software), creation and management of budgets, and general financial literacy. Program participants will learn how to develop business plans and have opportunities to manage independent business operations. By the fourth quarter all participants will be expected to develop and execute local service projects as part of an overall emphasis on civic engagement. These projects will be initiated by the participants but can be serviced through the housing authority, the school system, or through volunteer recruitment organizations. They will have workshops focused on volunteerism and will be expected to complete a minimum of 33 hours of community service by the end of the program year.

Support Services

In an effort to ensure the efficacy of the program MAP is bolstered by the provision of support services in the form of the following:

  • Family Engagement
  • Parent Workshops
  • Parent Liaison
  • Mentors
  • Integrated follow-up