Fifty years after its founding, Duke Ellington School for the Arts continues to nurture a passion for arts in the District’s youth — regardless of background, ability to pay, or previous training. In a rigorous, college preparatory setting, and led by educators of color, the predominantly African American students at DESA explore life-changing arts experiences: theater, music, dance, and technical design; painting, sculpture, and photography; spoken word, playwriting, and production. The Ellington Fund provides critical support for this work, including counseling, tutoring, and college guidance to prepare 565 talented young artists for higher education and careers. DESA sets high expectations and, with help from the Fund, students rise to meet them: last year, 98% graduated and 100% achieved college acceptance with over $9 million in scholarships. Your investment nurtures young talents and minds alike.
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