Circus Dreams - Send Cole to NECCA This Summer!

15-year-old Cole Jayme is working hard towards big dreams of a career in circus arts, dead set on someday joining Cirque du Soleil or The 7 Fingers Creative Collective. He trains rigorously in circus arts and dance 6 days/week, 4-5 hours most days, at Circus Center of San Francisco and Marin School of the Arts. He has found so much joy, purpose and community, his passion lights up the room. It's so clear this is his true calling, and his talent is blossoming.

Cole recently competed for the first time at a national circus arts festival in Las Vegas called "VIVAFest" (you can see his performance here) and won a rare scholarship to an incredible 5-week Summer Intensive training at the New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA), one of the top circus schools in the country, based in Brattleboro, Vermont.

The NECCA scholarship award is a great honor and this could be a huge step on the path to his dreams. Like Circus Center of San Francisco, NECCA is the training ground for many elite performers who’ve gone on to Cirque du Soleil and The 7 Fingers. This selective, intense training program is typically limited to adults 18+ yet they've made an exception for Cole. The scholarship is worth $3K+ and would give him a chance to train 6 days a week for 5 weeks with world-class instructors, seriously leveling up his skills in aerial straps, acrobatics, trapeze, and more.

To take advantage of this incredible opportunity, Cole needs lodging in or near Brattleboro, Vermont for 5 weeks, July 14-Aug 18. Lodging has to be within daily driving distance (less than 30 mins each way) and accommodate Cole and his mom as a chaperone. Even with the scholarship, the cost of the trip is a challenge for the family, particularly given mom was recently laid off. The airfare, 5 weeks of lodging, transportation and meals will cost around $6,825 including:

This is such a rare and special opportunity, we’re determined to make this happen for Cole, and calling out to friends, family, and the broader community for help.

AirBnBs and affordable homestay lodging is limited in Brattleboro and in high demand for the summer. Many places are already booked. So time is of the essence.

If you can find it in your heart to support the dreams and development of a talented young performing artist who will someday blow the world away, and if you can contribute anything at all, please make a donation to help us send Cole to the NECCA Summer Intensive with mom as his chaperone.

Every gift is warmly welcomed and deeply appreciated no matter the amount, even if it's just $10 or $20. All donations will go directly and only to Cole's travel costs to NECCA. We also welcome any donations of hotel points and homestay offers.

Here are a few photos from VIVAFest. Look forward to sharing more as the trip nears!