Malaria is the leading cause of the child mortality crisis in Africa. According to the Center for Disease Control, this preventable and treatable disease is still endemic in 106 nations, killing more than one million people per year. Ninety percent of Malaria related deaths are suffered by Sub-Saharan African children under the age of five. In this region, it is estimated that one child dies every 30 seconds from malaria related illness. The area of our project focus is Mali, West Africa.

In this community an increasing number of people lead sedentary lifestyles and rates of obesity are rising. The need to improve levels of physical activity and develop healthier lifestyles has never been more pressing. If people are to make positive decisions about improving their health and well-being, they need to be able to choose from a range of suitable options. As the fastest growing of all the art forms, dancing can have a powerful effect on people’s lives—physical, emotional, mental, and social benefits.

The "Just Us" Conference is a weekend conference, including various arts-based workshops for young adults, mainly high school students, primarily located in the Hudson Valley. The workshops and conference work towards youth empowerment through the arts, as well as guidance in how to create and form youth groups, and getting college scholarships, for example. The conference this year will also end with visits to college campuses. Because of the length of the conference, all three basic meals are included in the activities of the day.

The Milpitas Youth Advisory Commission presents the City of Milpitas Talent show, "Milpitas' Got Talent." This city-wide talent show hopes to bring together the youth of Milpitas on a common ground, self-expression through art. All the youth of the city ranging from ages 12-21 are encouraged to audition to show off their talents in a friendly yet competitive competition for $100. Acts will consist of bands, dance groups, hip-hop groups, singers, acoustic music groups, and solo instrumentals. All ticket sale proceeds will go to our charity of choice, Child Advocates of Silicon Valley.

Sole2Soul is a project idea that recyles slightly used dance shoes so that all children can participate in dance classes. Dance shoes are expensive. Hip Hop shoes and Pointe shoes cost $80 a pair. Tap shoes and Jazz shoes cost $40 a pair. Children grow out of their dance shoes quickly. This recyle program will give all children the opportunity to take part in dance classes without having to pay for new shoes.