The successful implementation of this new program will fill a local geographic gap by training and developing current and future leaders within the Delaware region’s dance and arts community. Providing up-to-date and high-quality professional development opportunities which expand the skills of our staff and participants alike is vital to the mission and delivery of services for Melodic Movements. 

The program incentivizes our current high school participants to pour into our middle school participants by passing down the social and professional skills they acquire unto their younger peers. Additionally, by compensating high schoolers in the receiving and delivering of the training, it reduces common financial and quality-of-life challenges that would otherwise cause participants to reduce their participation in our arts program. In addition to the peer-to-peer component, the training services our junior and adult instructors receive will strengthen their overall readiness and contribution to our internal quality of workforce and in the broader economic and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Lastly, the Director training expands our ability to offer a shown-to-be-true internal job shadow component developing Melodic Movements staff to properly prepare succession and sustainability plans at an executive operation level.

Outcomes of this initiative will include: successful training and credentialing of various social, life and developmental skill opportunities; young adult and community informed peer-to-peer workshop and a strengthened talent pipeline for staff recruitment and retention.  Ultimately, the program supports our obligation to not only engage our current students, but also create opportunities for our alumni community and families to stay involved with our organization for years to come.