About Us
About B.A.R.S Academy
B.A.R.S. Academy (Branding, Artistry, Resources, and Skills) is a creative arts nonprofit organization that provides youth with creative and entrepreneurial skill building, educational, and positive character development programming.
These opportunities create a safe environment which helps young people develop a sense of purpose, boost self-esteem, build skills for success, create a culture of innovation in schools in our local community, and be empowered to make the choice to live a healthy lifestyle.
In over 4 years we have been blessed to serve over 3,100 students with contracts with Spartanburg School District 7, Boys and Girls Club of the Upstate, City of Spartanburg Parks and Recreation, and more. Artistic, musical, and entrepreneurship training continually proves to be extremely effective in improving student performance in the classroom and in the community.
At BARS Academy all of the learning is real and experiential, and focused on teaching students positive youth development and how to start and run their own businesses, social movements, or musical career through the use of life, musical, artistic, and entrepreneurial skills. While participating in the program students become self-confident, creative, collaborative thinkers, more emotional and social intelligent, and leaders who can powerfully articulate ideas.
BARS provide equitable opportunities towards upward economic opportunities through the use of art, music, and entrepreneurship for young people with a focus on underserved youth to:
• Help them to pursue their dreams by harnessing their creativity and energy.
• Develop the character of tomorrow’s leaders based on positive life principles and values.
• Help them transform their ideas into tangible enterprises that create economic and social value for a better world.
• Improve underserved youth accessibility to upward economic mobility.
• Create a culture of innovation in schools in our local community.
• Foster the entrepreneurial mindset in young people, educators, and community members.
• Enable them to transition successfully to adulthood.
Organizations
Served
10+
Students
Monthly
Mentored
Businesses
Co-Sponsored
Events
15
Meet Our Team
Chris "CeeJ" Jefferson
Co-Founder
