Urban Assembly School for Performing Arts

2009-10 Partner Site Profile

Number of Pairs: 45

Length of Matches: 2 years

iMentor Partner Since: 2008

Location: Morningside Heights, Manhattan

iMentor Program Coordinator: Bridgette Ginyard

Urban Assembly School for Performing Arts Administration: Kelly McAvoy, Teacher and Keanna Quinn, Partnership Coordinator

About the iMentor Partnership

This is the second year of our partnership with Urban Assembly School for Performing Arts, and iMentor is excited to work with the driven and passionate founding class of 2010!  The senior class is matched for the second year of a two year match, developing their relationships through the college application and acceptance process, as well as achieving academic success and cultivating artistic vision. As their Principal Fia Davis (who proudly calls this school her “dream”) often announces, “Education equals options!”

The school has carved out two class periods every week solely for iMentor, which serves as a part of their College Preparation Skills series. Kelly McAvoy, the iMentor teacher, works with iMentor as a partnership advocate to engage students in weekly iMentor e-mails and monthly events.

The Urban Assembly School for Performing Arts partnership is a unique opportunity for mentors to connect with well-rounded students pursuing careers in the arts. The role of the mentor in the performing arts environment is integral as they support students at a pivotal time in their talent development.  Mentors support students throughout the artistic and academic process and are invited to attend annual performances including the Winter Showcase.

Travel Directions

Address: Urban Assembly School for Performing Arts 509 W 129th Street (at Amsterdam) New York, NY 10027 Subway: 1 train to 125th Street - Walk East on 125th and take a left to walk North on Amsterdam. UASPA is on the Northwest corner at 129th, under blue construction. Walk along the side of the building and take a left past the large gate into the small parking lot. The sign-in desk is at the second door on the left.

A/C trains to 125th Street - Walk West on 125th and take a right to walk North on Amsterdam. UASPA is on the Northwest corner at 129th, under blue construction. Walk along the side of the building and take a left past the large gate into the small parking lot. The sign-in desk is at the second door on the left.   Click HERE for Door-to-Door HopStop Subway Directions. Click HERE for Google Map Directions.

About Urban Assembly School for Performing Arts

Mission: The Urban Assembly School for the Performing Arts (UASPA) aims to sustain a challenging college-preparatory curriculum that infuses the performing arts into all aspects of the academic experience. By using the arts as a teaching tool and providing students with means to express themselves, UASPA will breathe life and creativity into all subjects and build confidence in all members of our school community. We will use the cultural and professional resources of New York City to ensure that students receive a rigorous education which exceeds state standards, are successful in earning a college degree, and have a vision for what their future holds.

Students will receive training in four areas of the performing arts: vocal and instrumental music, drama, and dance. The school culture will emphasize community and promote the growth of artists, students, and educators. UASPA is committed to preparing students for college entrance and completion by arming them with an education that exceeds state standards, teaches them about performing arts, and allows them to gain mastery in one area of the performing arts. Additionally, the school offers several opportunities every year for the students to perform in major showcases, and larger performances are in the works!    Learn More:   For a more detailed profile of Urban Assembly School for Performing Arts, visit Inside Schools: http://insideschools.org/index12.php?fso=1521&all=y  For Urban Assembly School for Performing Arts’s Official Website, visit: http://uaspa.net

Fun Facts

• iMentor is working with UASPA’s founding class!
• Every student takes required coursework in voice, instrument, dance and acting their first two years, after which they select a major of their choice!
• UASPA partners with several performing arts institutions, including:
  • Apollo Theater
  • City College of New York
  • Dance Theater of Harlem
  • Harlem Stage/Aaron Davis Hall
  • Jazz Museum in Harlem

• This year, the Urban Assembly School for Performing Arts has launched their official new website. For more information visit: http://uaspa.net

View a complete listing of all

iMentor's 2008-09 Partner Sites