ABOUT THE RAY PROJECT
 MISSION
The mission of ACSF’s AWARD WINNING youth programming is to support healthy youth development through regular physical and cultural activities led by top professionals in the field, who act as positive role models in a supportive learning environment.
The Reaching All Youth (RAY) Project ensures equal access to ACSF’s on-site youth programs by providing funding assistance to qualifying, Bay Area urban youth aged 5 - 19 years old from low-income families.
HISTORY
The “on-site” RAY Project is an outgrowth of our FreeTeen Program, which began in 1998 when Mestranda Cigarra began teaching teens for free in response to excessive youth violence in the area and the clear need for after-school activities and accessible alternatives to gang activity. The success and demand for the program led to the creation of the The RAY Project in 2003, expanding access to ALL youth starting at age five. Like the FreeTeen Program, it 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 600+ youth.
THE PROGRAM
ACSF offers a limited number of scholarships to youth from low-income families, providing low and no-cost access to ACSF’s on-site youth based activities. This includes on-going capoeira classes, performance opportunities, youth leadership opportunities, health and nutrition education, as well as instructor and performance training and opportunities to travel, compete, and pursue professional positions as performers and instructors for dedicated teen students.
Eligible youth are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Scholarship awards (full or partial) are determined based on the family’s yearly household income. If ACSF is unable to award a scholarship to an eligible youth, that youth will be kept on a waiting list and will be accepted into the program when a space becomes available.
PRIVILEGES
RAY Project members may train in any class that is open to their level and age. They may participate in all appropriate performances, and health and safety related workshops at no cost. Members over 14 years old may use workout equipment at the studio at any time during which the studio is open and staffed.
Many Ray Project members have been invited to participate in ACSF’s acclaimed Spirit of Brazil concert series, SF Carnaval production, jogos competition, Brazil study trips and artist apprenticeship program—offering valuable continuing education.
RAY Project benefits DO NOT pertain to uniform costs, event registration fees, or Summer Camp enrollment.
Learn about eligibility and enrollment information. You can also contact Diane Martinez, Programs Manager at info@abada.org, or 415-206-0650. Hablamos español. Falamos Português.
The RAY Project is named in memory of Raymond Gardner, a talented student of the ACSF no-cost teen program who was an innocent victim of youth violence and lost his life at age 22, on January 12, 2003. In Raymond's honor and memory, ACSF takes an active role in promoting peace and non-violence through expanded youth programs.
Special thanks to:
The Gardner Family, The Freund Family Fund, Team Up for Youth, The San Francisco Art Commission, The San Francisco Foundation, and all our individual donors for their generous support.
ACSF relies heavily on outside support to fulfill its mission to provide professional capoeira training to all students who wish to participate. Nearly two thirds of our annual operational income is acquired through fundraising efforts and financial contributions. These efforts help ACSF provide affordable programming to all of its students, financial aid to students in need, in addition to providing a superior faculty, master classes and mentoring programs.
Please help us help the youth of our communities. Donate today!
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