UACDC’s Annual Prodigy Showcases Feature Artwork of At-Risk Youth

TAMPA, Fla. – (Feb. 4, 2014) – Throughout February, Prodigy cultural arts program sites are hosting 10 annual showcases featuring the art work of at-risk youth in the seven Florida counties the program serves. 
Prodigy, a program of the University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. (UACDC), and funded by the Department of Juvenile Justice, delivers life skills such as communication, problem-solving and conflict resolution through a performing and visual arts curriculum for at-risk youth ages 7-17. 
 “The Prodigy showcases are a way to demonstrate to the community the talent these kids have and the progress they have made both in art and in life,” said UACDC Chief Programs Officer, Trancell Ward. “Without Prodigy, many of these kids would be on the street and getting into trouble. We give them guidance and the right tools to transform their lives and break the cycle. This is what Prodigy is all about.”
Through music, art and dance, Prodigy teaches youth better ways to handle obstacles they face in life and, in turn, help make their future brighter. The showcases feature both performances and art the kids created in their after-school or Saturday Prodigy classes.
 This year’s theme, “A Vision” reflects the children’s visions of brighter futures and how Prodigy has and continues to transform the lives of these youth. The program is in its seventeenth year serving Florida youth. The 2014 Prodigy Cultural Arts Showcases are sponsored by All Covered IT Services and scheduled for the following dates and locations:
Feb. 5, 2014 – Orlando Prodigy: A Vision of LeadershipThe Mad Cow Theatre (5 - 7 p.m.)54 West Church Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Feb. 15, 2014 – East Tampa Prodigy: A Vision of HopeThe Open Café (4 - 6 p.m.)3222 North 34th Street, Tampa, FL 33605
Feb. 19, 2014 – Lakeland II Prodigy: A Vision for the FutureGirls, Inc. (6:30 - 7:30 p.m.)1220 West Highland Street, Lakeland, FL 33815
Feb. 21, 2014 – Town ‘N Country Prodigy: A Vision for SuccessTown ‘N Country Recreation Center (6 - 8 p.m.)6039 Hanley Road, Tampa, FL 33634
Feb. 22, 2014 – Town ‘N Country Prodigy: A Vision for SuccessCommunity Room, Manatee Village Apartments (1 - 3 p.m.)912 Manatee Village Drive, Ruskin, FL 33570
Feb. 22, 2014 – Tampa I Prodigy: A Vision for TomorrowUniversity Area Community Center (3 - 5 p.m.)14013 North 22nd Street, Tampa, FL 33613
Feb. 25, 2014 – Lakeland I Prodigy: A Vision for ExpressionOasis Community Ministries, Inc. (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)3330 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, FL 33803
Feb. 26, 2014 – Brandon Prodigy: A Vision for Our CommunityBill Carey Boys & Girls Club of Tampa Bay (7 - 8 p.m.)213 N. Knights Avenue, Brandon, FL 33510
Feb. 27, 2014 – St. Pete Prodigy: A Vision for Our GenerationChilds Park YMCA (6 - 8 p.m.)691 43rd Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33711
Feb. 28, 2014 – Pasco Prodigy: A Vision to DreamWest Pasco Salvation Army (6:30 - 8:30 p.m.)7745 Ridge Road, Port Richey, FL 34668
Prodigy reached more than 3,200 youth in the recent grant year through a seven-county region, which includes Hillsborough, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, Pasco, Pinellas and Orange. Dollar for dollar, Prodigy is one of the lowest costs per youth programs in the state of Florida and has an 89 percent non-recidivism rate. By diverting youth from moving deeper into the juvenile justice system, those at Prodigy believe they are in turn saving the state money, improving communities and truly transforming young lives.
For more information about Prodigy, please visit www.transformingyounglives.org and view their program video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7iDmYCUUiSk.  About ProdigyProdigy is a research‐based diversion, intervention and prevention program that provides a safe arena where at-risk youth ages 7-17 learn communication, problem‐solving and conflict resolution skills through visual and performing arts. Prodigy currently serves more than 3,200 youth in seven West Central Florida counties and is operated by the UACDC in Tampa. For more information about Prodigy, please visit www.transformingyounglives.org.About UACDCThe University Area Community Development Corporation, Inc. (UACDC) is a 501(c)(3) public/private partnership whose mission is children and family development, crime prevention, and commerce growth. Its primary focus is the redevelopment and sustainability of the at-risk areas surrounding the Tampa campus of the University of South Florida. The UACDC was named nonprofit of the year for public and societal benefit by the Tampa Bay Business Journal in 2011 and 2012. It is headquartered in the University Area Community Center Complex, owned by Hillsborough County and operated by the UACDC, which is located at 14013 North 22nd Street in Tampa. For more information about UACDC, please visit www.uacdc.org or call Dan Jurman at (813) 558-5212 ext. 208.