We Need Your Support for CSSSA!

Hello! We are three high school students trying to raise money to attend CSSSA this summer. CSSSA is the California State Summer School for the Arts, and it is a four week long summer intensive for students studying a wide variety of art forms. We were all incredibly lucky to have been accepted, but we were all shocked to learn none of us will be receiving any of the financial aid or scholarships we applied for. Last year 60% of students received either partial or full scholarships, but due to budget cuts from the Government they simply don't have the funds available. Programs like this are unfortunately out of reach for low-income students, and your donations help us turn passion into purpose!

A little bit about each of us:

My Name is Emma, and I’m an actor. I’ve been acting since I was six years old, and immediately knew this was something I wanted to pursue. I performed in Alice in Wonderland and Seussical the Musical with Davis Musical Theater Company. This last year I earned major roles in both She Kills Monsters and Hairspray. I need financial aid because my family lives off of one income, due to my dad being disabled.

Hi, my name is Alonzo, and I’m a dancer. I get so much joy from dancing. When I’m feeling sick or upset, I know I’ll feel better the minute I start to dance. I really want to attend CSSSA to focus on artistry and technique. People like me, (black, mexican, male, and gay) don't really get opportunities like this. My family relies on my mom’s income, and she worries about feeding and housing the 5 of us. She wants me to go, but it’s hard when there are so many other needs at home. I haven’t been dancing that long, but this last year I was chosen to play the part of the Nutcracker with the Sacramento Ballet.

My name is Genevieve, and I’ve been in theater since I was in second grade. I started out at week-long camps and summer programs with Sacramento Theater Company. I continued with them for the next eight years, until they unfortunately closed down last year. I’ve always had a passion for the arts, which isn’t something my family grew up with. My mother is a Vietnamese refugee, and my father is a first generation Chinese American. My father worked for the Senator, but his job was recently ended due to the phasing out. My mom has been working 3 jobs to support the four of us. CSSSA would give me a chance to practice my art on a professional level, not just in a school setting.

Tuition is almost $5,000 for each of us, and we have until May 22nd to have it paid in full. Every donation counts, and if you aren’t able to donate, please share!!!

Thank you all so much,

Emma, Alonzo, and Genevieve