
A youth development organization, Groove With Me (GWM) is a free dance school for 360 girls in East Harlem. It attracts and engages girls during the idle after-school hours when 90% of youth violence occurs. The program seeks to decrease teen pregnancy, truancy, crime, violence, prostitution, substance abuse, and depression. Instilling life skills such as creativity, problem-solving, perseverance, focus, dedication, and accountability lead to success both in and out of the classroom. Our organization breaks the cycle of underachievement by creating a community, and building self-confidence, goal achievement, and self-respect necessary to make positive choices.