Recognizing that the arts have a unique power to engage and motivate children, the mission of Kids Excel El Paso (KEEP) is to help children develop discipline, a standard of excellence, and self-confidence that will positively impact their education and all aspects of their lives.
Kids Excel El Paso (KEEP) provides arts education access to local children in El Paso County. For the 2526 program year, KEEP is serving a total of 1200 children ages 9-12 years within El Paso and Ysleta Independent School Districts, and La Fe Preparatory.
Funds from the GECU Foundation will go toward sustaining the program and providing arts access to children in our participating partner schools and districts.
Kids Excel El Paso (KEEP) was founded in 2004 using the renowned National Dance Institute (NDI) teaching techniques created 50 years ago by former NYC Ballet dancer Jacques d’Amboise. KEEP’s energetic and dynamic dance program engages students in the arts and teaches them to work hard, never give up, and do their personal best in all endeavors. KEEP’s programming strives to impart excellence, enhance the educational experience of children, improve academic performance, deliver high-quality, outcomes-oriented programming, serve children in need, and improve quality of life.
KEEP serves primarily low-to-moderate income elementary school children in economically disadvantaged areas of El Paso through in-school and extracurricular outreach programs. KEEP’s programming includes the In-School Program, the foundation of KEEP’s curriculum and mission, in addition to the Specialized Learners Program, After-School Program, Community Outreach Program, school-wide assemblies and performances, and Theatre Experience Program.
Currently, the children participating in KEEP’s programming average 84% Minority, 93% Economically Disadvantaged, 55% Limited English Proficient, and 67% At Risk. KEEP is a full inclusion program and engages all students it serves regardless of physical, cognitive, or behavioral ability.
KEEP provides students with the opportunity to build their self-esteem and improve their academic ability by engaging in a physically and mentally demanding dance program that challenges young students to be their best. The program supports academic achievement with cross-curricular activities that translate into increased self-confidence in the classroom and the discipline to achieve difficult goals. Classes are held during the school day as part of the curriculum, thereby equalizing the significance of arts education in the academic setting, making extracurricular activities available to children who otherwise might not have the opportunity.
The GECU Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) public charity established to maximize philanthropic efforts to benefit education, community programs and charitable giving. If you itemize deductions on your federal tax return, you may be entitled to claim your donation as a charitable deduction. Please consult your tax adviser.