History

ECMC est. in 1996. A group of parent/teachers began to meet to discuss what needed to be done to deal with serious problems easily recognizable in our public school system. A grass roots movement was born. Two of ECMC's original founders currently serve on the Monroe County School Board.

ECMC received nonprofit status as a 501 (c) 3 advocacy organization to assist in implementing countywide youth projects to supplement classroom learning through the arts.

ECMC HAS A LONG TRACK RECORD OF SUCCESSFUL PROJECTS AND IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENTS.

PROJECTS INCLUDE:

•2004 expanded CAMP to countywide participation
•2005 jr. CAMP feeder program- elementary
•2006 countywide transportation provided by MCSD
•2007 college intern program added, will expand in 2009
•2008 CAMP & Careers (C&C) added: career electives in film/technology/journalism and hospitality/tourism/culinary arts - 40 students received 3 college credits - pilot ballroom, professional development
•2008 expanded from 38-130 participants, funded in part by FDCA Arts in Education
•2009 add art careers and health career exploration
•2009 200-250 students are anticipated
•2009 - Dancing Classrooms model implemented into two school sites

ECMC's priority is to integrate creative arts that can be improve core curriculum through collaborative school, community, and faith based partnerships.

For more information about Dancing Classrooms visit -
www.dancing classrooms.com