THE REACHING ALL YOUTH (RAY) Project – Financial Assistance
The RAY Project is an outgrowth of our Free Teen Program. Mestra Márcia Cigarra began teaching teens for free in 1998 in response to excessive youth violence in the Mission District and surrounding neighborhoods and the clear need for after-school activities and accessible alternatives to gang activity.
The success of the program led to the creation of the RAY Project in 2003, which extended free and reduced cost programming to youth starting at age five. Like the Free Teen Program, The RAY Project is based on the principle that all youth, regardless of financial, ethnic, physical, and social background, should have equal access to programs that support healthy development. To date, this small but powerful program has served more than 1,000 youth.
The Reaching All Youth (RAY) Project
The Reaching All Youth (RAY) Project is funded in part through generous contributions from the Freund Family Foundation, the SF Department of Children Youth and Families, the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, and through individual donors like you.
How to Apply
ACSF Reaching All Youth Programming is a very successful program that led to the creation of the RAY Project in 2003. Families in need have access to FREE classes throughout the school-year program schedule (August-May).
To qualify:
- During the school year (August through May), new students can start at any time.
- Fill out the youth release form and check the box indicating you are in need of financial assistance. Formulario de liberación en español.
- Follow the normal steps for creating an online account through our online scheduling system. Please note, parents/guardians must create online profiles for themselves and their children. This can be done at our center with our front desk staff as well. Detailed instructions of how to create your account and enroll in a class using our MindBody scheduling system can be found here.
- Once you submit your release form through our website, we will contact the parent/guardian via e-mail so they can receive all the information they need to get enrolled and ready for classes immediately.
RAYMOND GARDNER
RAYMOND GARDNER (GRADUADO MICO LEÃO)
4/15/1980 – 1/12/2003
The RAY Project is named in memory of Raymond Gardner, a talented student in ACSF’s Free Teen Program who was an innocent victim of youth violence and lost his life at age 22, on January 12, 2003.
RAYMOND GARDNER (GRADUADO MICO LEÃO)
Raymond Gardner lived in Pacifica with his parents, Karen and John Gardner. He came to ACSF in 1998 as a teenager eager to learn Capoeira. His extensive background in martial arts, his vibrant and humble personality, and his natural determination and discipline helped Ray excel. He quickly became one of Mestra Márcia Cigarra’s top students, an excellent performer, and a role model to the entire ACSF community.
In Raymond’s memory, ACSF takes an active role in promoting peace and non-violence through extensive youth programs. By naming the RAY Project in his honor, we hope to keep his spirit alive within our community and beyond.