About

The Arts Mentors Program pairs UVA. undergraduates with under-resourced students from  local schools to develop mentoring relationships and provide both groups of students with exposure to the arts.  The program exposes local children to UVA and its resources and gives UVA students an opportunity to engage with the local community.   The program is a partnership with the City of Promise, a community-based effort focused on improving outcomes for children living in the Westhaven, Starr Hill and 10th and Page neighborhoods. The kids who participate are 3rd through 6th graders from Burnley-Moran and Walker schools who have been nominated for the program by their teachers, principals, or by City of Promise staff.

The arts component is led by Associate Professor of Music Bonnie Gordon. Burnley-Moran teacher, and Curry 2010 alumna Rachel Savoy provides guidance on working with young children. Director of Student Affairs Community Engagement Julie Caruccio provides training and supervision of all students, undergraduate and graduate, with specific attention given to engaging with the community.

The Arts Mentors Program began in 2010 and is a a an interdisciplinary effort between  the Arts departments at UVA, particularly Music and Student Affairs. It is  funded by the Vice Provost for the Arts, the President, The Dean of the College,  Student Affairs, The Jefferson Trust, and the Arts Council.

Goals & Objectives

UVA student mentors will:

• Get to know a young person from the local community in a structured and fun environment
• Attend a diverse set of arts events
• Eat good food
• Make connections with faculty and staff who are active in the local community
• Make connections with other students interested in making a difference

UVA students can expect to learn:

• More about the local community in which they are residents
• How to connect with a young person
• A little about different forms of fine and performing arts
• Leadership and mentoring skills

Mentees will:

• Attend a diverse set of arts events
• Eat good food
• Make connections with UVA faculty and staff who are active in the local community
• Make connections with other students interested in the arts and college

Mentees can expect to learn:

• What college is like from a current UVA undergraduate
• A little about different forms of fine and performing arts
• Leadership Skills

Contact Information

Bonnie Gordon Email >
Associate Professor, Department of Music
University of Virginia

Julie Caruccio Email >
Director, Student Affairs Community Engagement
Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
University of Virginia

In the News

• UVA Today, Music Professor Wraps Up Successful Pilot Year of Arts Outreach  | May 25, 2012, by Rob Seal
• UVA Today, Music Professor Helps Build Bridges Between Area Youngsters, U.Va. | Septmeber 20, 2011, by Rob Seal