Calendar of Events

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library impacts the pre­-literacy skills and school readiness of children under the age of 5 in Buncombe County. The program mails a new, free, age-appropriate book to registered children each month until they turn five years old. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library creates a home library of up to 60 books and instills a love of books and reading from an early age. If you have any questions about the program, please send an email to [email protected].

A national panel of educators selects the Imagination Library titles, which include: The Little Engine that Could, Last Stop on Market Street, Violet the Pilot, As an Oak Tree Grows, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, Llama Llama Red Pajama, Look Out Kindergarten, here I come, and many more (take a look at all the titles).

Register your child now!

Program Launch and Expansions

Literacy Together became a Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library affiliate in November 2015 with support from the Buncombe Partnership for Children. Through this program, registered children in Buncombe County receive a free book in the mail each month. Their parents also have the opportunity to attend workshops to learn how to build their children’s early literacy skills. Parents in need of literacy assistance are encouraged to receive tutoring through Literacy Together’s adult programming.

The program served 200 children during the 2015/16 fiscal year. The program expanded to serve 400 children in July 2016, and 600 in August 2017. In July 2018, capacity increased to 1,900 thanks to a special allocation in the North Carolina state budget. We’re now serving 4,600 kids in Buncombe County.  

LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open! Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers. SUMMER CAMPS • June 17-21 – World Dance • June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food • July 8-12 – Blues • July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti • July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making* • July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation • August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording* • August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art *middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th

The Arts for Schools Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County, enabling them to provide arts-focused performances, residencies, workshops, and field trips for students in K-12 public schools. Through 2027, grants will also support arts-focused afterschool programs and camps thanks to an investment from Dogwood Health Trust, which awarded $15 million in multi-year funding grants to support organizations across the region providing high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school-time (OST) programs that have a high impact on young people. Grants for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out-of-school programs (including afterschool and camps) range from $500-$5,000. The application cycle opens May 13 and closes June 17.

The Arts for Schools Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County, enabling them to provide arts-focused performances, residencies, workshops, and field trips for students in K-12 public schools. Through 2027, grants will also support arts-focused afterschool programs and camps thanks to an investment from Dogwood Health Trust, which awarded $15 million in multi-year funding grants to support organizations across the region providing high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school-time (OST) programs that have a high impact on young people. Grants for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out-of-school programs (including afterschool and camps) range from $500-$5,000. The application cycle opens May 13 and closes June 17.

YELP interns prepare for a river cleanup Founded in 2014, YELP is a grassroots effort to advance equity in the environmental field and develop youths’ connection to our ecological community.   The only program of its kind in the Asheville area, YELP helps young people develop life and job skills, as well as specialized knowledge about the environment and practical advocacy and conservation experience. YELP prepares young adults to be conscientious environmental guardians in their personal and professional lives and stewards of the natural resources and natural environment in their lives. Learn More about YELP The YELP High School Intern position is a 6-week paid internship. Interns will work locally in Buncombe County, with some days spent in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, as well as other locations. Interns will participate in environmental service work, learn from experts, and develop their own group initiatives. As part of the work, interns will gain skills in the areas of teamwork, outdoor recreation, environmental science, and climate resilience.   No experience is needed – as the goal of the internship is to learn together! Young BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) high schoolers at least 16 years of age are strongly encouraged to apply Apply Now

The Arts for Schools Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County, enabling them to provide arts-focused performances, residencies, workshops, and field trips for students in K-12 public schools. Through 2027, grants will also support arts-focused afterschool programs and camps thanks to an investment from Dogwood Health Trust, which awarded $15 million in multi-year funding grants to support organizations across the region providing high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school-time (OST) programs that have a high impact on young people. Grants for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out-of-school programs (including afterschool and camps) range from $500-$5,000. The application cycle opens May 13 and closes June 17.

YELP interns prepare for a river cleanup Founded in 2014, YELP is a grassroots effort to advance equity in the environmental field and develop youths’ connection to our ecological community.   The only program of its kind in the Asheville area, YELP helps young people develop life and job skills, as well as specialized knowledge about the environment and practical advocacy and conservation experience. YELP prepares young adults to be conscientious environmental guardians in their personal and professional lives and stewards of the natural resources and natural environment in their lives. Learn More about YELP The YELP High School Intern position is a 6-week paid internship. Interns will work locally in Buncombe County, with some days spent in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, as well as other locations. Interns will participate in environmental service work, learn from experts, and develop their own group initiatives. As part of the work, interns will gain skills in the areas of teamwork, outdoor recreation, environmental science, and climate resilience.   No experience is needed – as the goal of the internship is to learn together! Young BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) high schoolers at least 16 years of age are strongly encouraged to apply Apply Now

LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open! Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers. SUMMER CAMPS • June 17-21 – World Dance • June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food • July 8-12 – Blues • July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti • July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making* • July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation • August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording* • August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art *middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th

The Arts for Schools Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County, enabling them to provide arts-focused performances, residencies, workshops, and field trips for students in K-12 public schools. Through 2027, grants will also support arts-focused afterschool programs and camps thanks to an investment from Dogwood Health Trust, which awarded $15 million in multi-year funding grants to support organizations across the region providing high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school-time (OST) programs that have a high impact on young people. Grants for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out-of-school programs (including afterschool and camps) range from $500-$5,000. The application cycle opens May 13 and closes June 17.

YELP interns prepare for a river cleanup Founded in 2014, YELP is a grassroots effort to advance equity in the environmental field and develop youths’ connection to our ecological community.   The only program of its kind in the Asheville area, YELP helps young people develop life and job skills, as well as specialized knowledge about the environment and practical advocacy and conservation experience. YELP prepares young adults to be conscientious environmental guardians in their personal and professional lives and stewards of the natural resources and natural environment in their lives. Learn More about YELP The YELP High School Intern position is a 6-week paid internship. Interns will work locally in Buncombe County, with some days spent in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, as well as other locations. Interns will participate in environmental service work, learn from experts, and develop their own group initiatives. As part of the work, interns will gain skills in the areas of teamwork, outdoor recreation, environmental science, and climate resilience.   No experience is needed – as the goal of the internship is to learn together! Young BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) high schoolers at least 16 years of age are strongly encouraged to apply Apply Now

LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open! Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers. SUMMER CAMPS • June 17-21 – World Dance • June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food • July 8-12 – Blues • July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti • July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making* • July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation • August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording* • August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art *middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th

The Arts for Schools Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County, enabling them to provide arts-focused performances, residencies, workshops, and field trips for students in K-12 public schools. Through 2027, grants will also support arts-focused afterschool programs and camps thanks to an investment from Dogwood Health Trust, which awarded $15 million in multi-year funding grants to support organizations across the region providing high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school-time (OST) programs that have a high impact on young people. Grants for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out-of-school programs (including afterschool and camps) range from $500-$5,000. The application cycle opens May 13 and closes June 17.

YELP interns prepare for a river cleanup Founded in 2014, YELP is a grassroots effort to advance equity in the environmental field and develop youths’ connection to our ecological community.   The only program of its kind in the Asheville area, YELP helps young people develop life and job skills, as well as specialized knowledge about the environment and practical advocacy and conservation experience. YELP prepares young adults to be conscientious environmental guardians in their personal and professional lives and stewards of the natural resources and natural environment in their lives. Learn More about YELP The YELP High School Intern position is a 6-week paid internship. Interns will work locally in Buncombe County, with some days spent in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, as well as other locations. Interns will participate in environmental service work, learn from experts, and develop their own group initiatives. As part of the work, interns will gain skills in the areas of teamwork, outdoor recreation, environmental science, and climate resilience.   No experience is needed – as the goal of the internship is to learn together! Young BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) high schoolers at least 16 years of age are strongly encouraged to apply Apply Now

LEAF Schools & Streets invites your students to join us at LEAF Global Arts for summer camps, which run June 17-August 23 at 19 Eagle Street downtown. Registration is open! Most camps are for rising first-graders through rising sixth-graders, with the addition of the ‘Making a Music Video’ and ‘Songwriting and Recording’ camps for middleschoolers and highschoolers. SUMMER CAMPS • June 17-21 – World Dance • June 24-28 – West African Culture: Drumming, Dance, Clothing & Food • July 8-12 – Blues • July 15-19 – LEAF International Haiti • July 22-25 – Making a Music Video: Songwriting, Recording, and Film-Making* • July 29-August 2 – Stop Motion Animation • August 12-15 – Songwriting and Recording* • August 19-23 – World-Changing Visual Art *middle and high school, all others are rising 1st-6th

Get ready to dance into the spotlight because Asheville Junior Theater (AJT) –
School of Dance is excited to announce the grand opening its dance school. Registration
for the upcoming Fall 2024-Spring 2025 season is now open! With a commitment to igniting
artistic passion and fostering unparalleled talent, AJT School of Dance is your ticket to an
electrifying dance experience like no other.

AJT School of Dance is more than just a dance studio; it’s a gateway to a transformative dance
experience. With a focus on fostering self-confidence, promoting integrity, and nurturing a
genuine passion for dance, our dedicated instructors are committed to guiding each student on
a path of artistic discovery and self-expression.

Registration for the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 season at Asheville Junior Theater – School of Dance
is now open! Don’t miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary. Classes are offered
for ages 4-adult.
For more information on class offerings and registration, visit
www.ashevillejuniortheater.com/dance or contact [email protected].
Unique classes offered: Aerial Arts, Tricks and Stunts, Musical Theater, Performance Crew–
in addition to all the various technique classes of Jazz, Tap, Ballet/Lyrical, Hip Hop and more!

The Arts for Schools Grant supports nonprofit arts organizations and qualified teaching artists in Buncombe County, enabling them to provide arts-focused performances, residencies, workshops, and field trips for students in K-12 public schools. Through 2027, grants will also support arts-focused afterschool programs and camps thanks to an investment from Dogwood Health Trust, which awarded $15 million in multi-year funding grants to support organizations across the region providing high-quality, evidence-based out-of-school-time (OST) programs that have a high impact on young people. Grants for in-school programs range from $500-$2,000, and grants for out-of-school programs (including afterschool and camps) range from $500-$5,000. The application cycle opens May 13 and closes June 17.