WHO WE ARE
Teens Count is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that helps young people transition from school to career by providing transformative learning and real-world experience opportunities that culminate in high-quality programs and signature events. Access and exposure to leaders from a variety of professional fields supports the career exploration students experience throughout all of our programs.
SUMMER STARTS NOW
REGISTER TODAY for our one-of-a-kind SUMMER EXPERIENCE. Develop a sense of personal satisfaction as you work in teams to explore existing interests or build new ones!
- LEARN NEW SKILLS
- BUILD YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK
- IMAGINE & PERFORM
UPCOMING EVENTS
DJ For A Day
July 13 – August 7, 2020
Ages 10-12
Learn the FUNDAMENTALS OF MIXING from the HOTTEST DJ in Washington, DC. DJ DIRTY RICO of Magic 102.3 will instruct this 4-week summer workshop series with a commitment to developing the NEXT GREAT SUPERSTAR DJ.
REGISTRATION CODE: GEORGE
Events 201: Backstage Pass
June 29 – August 7, 2020
Ages 21-24
Making it as an event professional requires a specific set of skills. Limited space available for this exciting apprenticeship opportunity. Plan a MAJOR EVENT and work with highly skilled professionals who will share the secrets and techniques necessary for working in the events industry.
REGISTRATION CODE: FISH
Youth Choir Explosion 2021
REGISTRATION NOW
This is a high-impact event with special guest performances, workshops, artist meet and greets, and exciting vendor opportunities. SHINE and to lift HIS name on high.
REGISTRATION CODE: RAHEEM
OUR IMPACT IS REAL
CURRENT PROGRAM DIRECTIVE
GEORGE
Represents your birth identity. Artistry. Curiosity. Playful. Love for helping others. Willingness to try new things.
RAHEEM
Represents choice. What you make of yourself. Outreach for your brother. Love. Spirit. Light.
FISH
Represents environment or set of circumstances. Sometimes dark and dangerous activity. Bad choices.
OUR STORY
Millions of kids head home after school to an empty house because of a gap in after-school programs for the 10-14 year olds. Teens Count was founded in 2004 by Tracy Cooper, a single parent in search of quality affordable programs in her community for her (at that time) 12 year old daughter. Teens Count initially provided a theatre and stage program with a mixture of improvisational and script-based exercises for youth from low to
moderate-income families in underserved communities. In 2005 our students helped to develop a fashion and modeling curriculum that fused theatre and fashion. That grew into the very popular SCHOOL FASHION BATTLE, a 4-month in school extracurricular activity where students worked to develop, choreograph, and produce 10-minute scenes which were performed during a full out competition with over 4,000 in attendance.
Teens Count evolved its mission to include a wider range of professional opportunities for teens to explore and learn from experts in a variety of professions to include acting, comedy, stage design, audio-visual technology, fashion, music, media relations, garment care and construction, artist development, health and wellness, marketing, law, medicine, business, civic engagement, financial management, and technology. Our partners help to expand the mission and allow students to gain a big-picture awareness of specific industries.
Previous Partnerships (to name a few)…
BET Foundation * OFFICE OF WOMEN’S HEALTH * RUSH PHILANTHROPIC ARTS FOUNDATION * FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY * SIRIUS XM SATELLITE RADIO * CBS RADIO * WASHINGTON’S CW * THE HOME DEPOT * GIANT FOOD * PNC BANK * DC Department of Employment Services * CLARK CONSTRUCTION * NYC & Company * Verizon Wireless
Teens Count’s innovative approach to career exploration allows youth to experience situations that arise when working in a variety of professions. The experts provide real life case studies, and the students work in teams to solve specific problems. When young people work together to develop solutions they become confident and empowered leaders.
Every story has a climax and a turning point.
In 2010, Ms. Cooper’s son was stabbed inside a nightclub in Prince George’s county and died on the sidewalk outside of the club. His birth name was George. His Muslim name was Raheem. His friends knew him as Fish. He was 25 years old.
We are all GEORGE RAHEEM AND FISH… multifaceted with many sides.
Teens Count realizes that it’s not about who you are but who you want to be today. We are committed to providing programs for George Raheem AND Fish. Rooted in youth development principles focused on strengths and positive outcomes, Teens Count provides intentional programming that builds bridges to caring adults, meaningful experiences, a safe environment, and life-long connections that will help young people build on their strengths and develop the competencies, values, and connections they need for life and work.
Rest in peace son.
“When theatre is used as a youth development activity, it not only provides voices for youths who have historically not been heard by adults, it also provides them with structure, communication skills, an opportunity to belong to a positive group of peers, and self-confidence"
(New Arenas for Community Social Work Practice with Urban Youth, by: Melvin Delgado)