Summer Training Institute

Program Overview

UNITY is a multi-faceted performing arts organization dedicated to empowering young people through character development, artistic excellence, and leadership training. Guided by the belief that the arts can transform lives, UNITY provides a unique after-school platform that blends creative expression with holistic youth development. Students engage in life coaching, mentoring, leadership training, and skill-building while also participating in professional productions, cultural experiences, and community engagement. These opportunities expose them to diverse environments and build connections with accomplished mentors who inspire lifelong success. 

 The UNITY Summer Training Institute is a bold and visionary initiative launched by Unity Performing Arts Foundation as an extension of its enduring commitment to youth development, empowerment, and purpose-driven excellence. Rooted in UNITY’s core philosophy of cultivating the total person, mind, skill, and character, the Institute offers far more than a traditional summer program. It is a transformative experience designed to change how young people see themselves, their talents, and their potential to thrive in an ever-evolving, technology-driven world. 

At its core, the Summer Training Institute is built to ignite curiosity, equip talent, and inspire purpose. It introduces students to disciplines they may have never encountered, empowering them to discover new passions while becoming aware of the knowledge and tools necessary to compete and lead in the 21st century. Each short-term course serves as both an introduction and a launchpad, providing not just exposure but real tools, real experience, and real encouragement to dream bigger and pursue excellence. 

 Alignment with UNITY’s Youth Development and Empowerment Model: 

UNITY believes that young people are willing vessels, eager to be filled with wisdom, knowledge, and practical skills passed on by those who have mastered their craft. UNITY’s programs are guided by foundational principles: passion, focus, discipline, consistency, leadership, excellence, character, and service. The Summer Training Institute is a living expression of these values, delivering structured, high-quality instruction in an environment that reflects real-world expectations and professional standards. 

Importantly, the Institute is integrated directly into UNITY’s year-round programming. Students who complete the Institute are not merely celebrated; they are activated. They receive meaningful internship assignments within the organization, such as assistant roles in tech support, photography, drama direction, or music production. These real-world applications allow students to immediately apply what they’ve learned, reinforcing their development through UNITY’s proven cycle: learn, apply, reflect, and grow. This model fosters both confidence and competence, preparing youth to become impactful contributors in their fields and communities.