The Possibility Project
Cause Area
- Arts & Culture
- Children & Youth
Location
377 Fifth Avenue6th FloorNew York, NY 10016 United States
Organization Information
Mission Statement
The Possibility Project empowers young people to transform the negative forces in their lives and communities into opportunities for personal and social growth. Through a dynamic learning process combining performing arts, leadership training, and community engagement, we help youth address challenges, build meaningful relationships across differences, and become agents of change. Our mission is rooted in the belief that young people--especially those from marginalized backgrounds--have the creativity, insight, and power to shape a more just and compassionate world. We provide a platform for their voices and leadership through collaborative storytelling and real-world community action.
Description
The Possibility Project began in 1994 as City at Peace in Washington, D.C., in response to youth violence. A group of teens, parents, artists, and community leaders, led by Founding Director Paul Griffin, came together to create a program that was long-term, intensive, and relevant to youth. The first show, performed by 64 teens, premiered at the Warner Theater and received rave reviews and national media attention.
Demand quickly grew. By 1997, a second program launched; by 1999, requests from across the country led to a national expansion plan. The HBO documentary city at peace helped launch The Possibility Project as a national nonprofit in 2000, with programs in several U.S. cities and abroad.
In 2007, TPP focused on NYC, expanding locally with the After-School Program (2007), Foster Care Program (2009), Youth Justice Program (2015), and six virtual podcast musicals (2020-22).
To date, TPP has worked with 1,900+ NYC youth to create 48 original musicals, 90+ community action projects, six podcast musicals, one feature film, and one music video. Live audiences exceed 80,000; recorded works have reached over one million.
Our Values: Cross-cultural understanding, youth leadership, integrity, and excellence in all we do.
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