OAKLAND, CA. February 10, 2015 – Bell Investment Advisors announced today the award of its annual $5000 Youth-in-the-Arts Grant to 51Oakland, a non-profit organization designed to nurture growth, creativity, and self-expression among youth by providing Oakland Public School students access to programs, resources, supplies, instruction, mentoring and training in music and the arts by funding and implementing new and existing performing arts programs for students during the school day.
51Oakland was selected from 23 deserving non-profit organizations focused on supporting youth in the arts.
For a list of finalists and more about 51Oakland: www.bellinvest.com/about/bell-youth-arts-grant
51Oakland will use this grant to provide much needed additional support for the implementation of new art and music programs at McClymond’s and Fremont High Schools. 100% of this grant will go directly to their work with students.
51Oakland is an example of the many youth-based, non-profit arts programs that have sprung up in Oakland in response to severe budget cuts to arts programs in the Oakland Unified School District over the past several years. By providing this grant each year, Bell Investment Advisors intends to bring attention and increased support to these vital, inspirational organizations, and strongly encourages other businesses and individuals to support them as well.
“Without access to art and music education, kids lose the ability to express themselves and be open to new things. Music sets us free . . . and brings us together. Music and dance saved my life! We are so appreciative to Bell for this generous grant!”
—Yoshi Akiba, Co-Owner of Yoshi’s Jazz Club and Co-Founder of 51Oakland
“What a deep pleasure it is to provide support each year to a deserving non-profit arts organization with a focus on youth. These organizations actually transform lives and create a positive future for hundreds of students who might otherwise be lost.”
— Bonnie Bell, Principal and Jim Bell, President and Founder
Organizations which have not received the grant in previous years are encouraged to apply for the 2015 Bell Youth-in-the-Arts Grant when it is announced in the spring.
About Bell Investment Advisors
Bell Investment Advisors is a privately-owned, registered investment advisory firm, managing over $500 million in assets. It is in its 24th year of business, offering investment management, financial planning, and career/life coaching services. www.bellinvest.com.