Causes: Arts & Culture, Performing Arts Schools

Mission: College of Adaptive Arts (CAA) provides an equitable, lifelong collegiate experience to adults with special needs who historically have not had access to college education. College of Adaptive Arts simulates a robust liberal arts collegiate environment to empower the student bodyto creatively transform perception of disability and to become successful contributingcitizens.

Results:
• 200%+ Operational Growth since inception in 2009: from operational budget of $55,000 in 2009 to $1,027,000 annual budget in 2021
• Student enrollment topped 160 students for the SummerQuarter 2021
• 10 Schools of Instruction - added a 10th School of Instruction, the School of Business, in 2019
• Santa Clara Chamber of Commerce - Pyramid Award Charity Beneficiary, June2017
• Rotary Foundation of San Jose - Recipient of Community Grant, December 2017
• Silicon Valley Community Fund – Donor Circle of the Arts - Recipient of a School of Dance grant, Nov. 2017
• San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs - Recipient of the 2017 TakepART grant
• Recipient of a SVCreates Access Grant 2017
• Recipient of San Jose City College Child Development Community Service Awards
• Delta Kappa Gamma State Women’s Educational Leadership Organization honoring co-foundersPam/DeAnna – State Service to the Profession Award
• Reached a part-time staff of 30 employees – over half are leaders with differing abilities
• Five major donors made significant independent financial upgrades throughout the year
• Jan 2018: KQED Arts did a story on Professor Isabella Torres/Latizmo which has more than 50,000 viewson social media

Target demographics: adults with differing abilities ages 18+

Direct beneficiaries per year: 160+ students, 450 family members, & 2000+ community members at large

Geographic areas served: the community

Programs: an equitable, lifelong collegiate experience to adults with special needs who historically have not had access to college education.