Grant Request The Arts & Enrichment Academy

Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form


Organization Name: The Arts & Enrichment Academy
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 4518 Ocana Ave.
City: Lakewood
State: California
Postal Code: 90713
Main Phone: 562-267-9855
Main Fax:
Organization Website: http://www.theartsandenrichmentacademy.com/
Employer ID Number: 82-2104326
Organization Tax Status: Non-profit

Proposal Information


Today’s Date: 2/13/25
Requested Amount: 5000

Project Title: Songwriters Workshop
Project Description:

This project is for the Long Beach Unified School District Adult Community Transition (ACT) program and Easterseals (Carson/Torrance).

The Songwriters Workshop is designed for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities so that we can have a profound and multifaceted impact on participants, positively affecting their personal development, academic skills, and social integration. The expected impacts include improved social skills, enhanced communication abilities, increased self-confidence, emotional growth, cognitive development, and enhanced creativity and imagination.
Songwriting can provide an expressive outlet for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, helping them process emotions, cope with challenges, and build resilience. It allows them to share their unique experiences and connect with others who may relate to their feelings. Additionally, songwriting fosters creativity, self-expression, and a sense of accomplishment, contributing to their overall well-being.

In the Workshop students play instruments, sing, and engage in creative and analytical construction of their music. The students write, record, and perform original musical compositions using these musical composition tools. Our program leaves students with increased fluency and engagement in songwriting, a basic understanding of song structure, and lyric writing with positive guidance and feedback from peers and instructors. Not only is this program recreational, it is designed to give students insight into navigating options for real potential career paths within the music industry. Additionally, music is a tool for emotional regulation and exploration of talent, promoting a sense of achievement. Our priority is providing immersive performing arts experiences, intertwining personal growth with educational exploration.

At the program’s culmination, the students complete an original creation in music. Students have a public performance for family, friends, and the community to perform their song(s) and individual talents.

Total Project Budget: 180,000

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Harbor Regional Center

Project Duration: January 2026-December 2026
Geographical Area Served: Los Angeles County, specifically Long Beach and Torrance
Age Group To Be Served: 14-21

Contact Information


Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Shannon
Contact Last Name: Penna
Contact Title: Director of Developmen
Contact Phone: 562-294-0868
Contact Email: shannon@theartsandenrichmentacademy.com