ASTEP was conceived by Broadway Musical Director Mary-Mitchell Campbell and Juilliard students to transform the lives of youth using the most powerful tool they had—their art. Today, ASTEP connects performing and visual artists with underserved youth in the U.S. and around the world to awaken their imaginations, foster critical thinking, and help them break the cycle of poverty.

At ASTEP, we are deeply committed to empowering individuals who suffer from an absence of choice—especially children. The right to choose is a fundamental human right, and we strive to end the poverty that robs us of that humanity. By awakening imaginations and fostering creativity, the performing and visual arts create a unique safe space to rediscover choice. The young people we serve imagine new futures, new possibilities, and gain the skills and strength to achieve them.

From improving reading comprehension to advancing creative thinking, from teaching problem solving to fostering collaboration, access to the arts brings about significant improvements in children’s educational and social development.

Our programs engage youth ages 4-21 years old through collaborations with schools and community organizations, serving a population of low-income, immigrant, migrant and refugee youth. In addition, our programming is research-based, employing nationally accredited Kennedy Center learning standards to train artists and create arts curricula.

The quality of the artists who volunteer with ASTEP uniquely positions us among other arts education nonprofits. Our Volunteer Artists are highly successful Broadway performers, professional artists, or students and faculty from schools such as Juilliard, offering a variety of disciplines such as dance, visual art, music, and drama. They become transformative role models in the lives of the youth we serve, combining their passion for the arts and their ability to use artistic tools to teach important life skills.