Every Child Belongs Here: How a PCF Grant Brought 664 Valley Elementary Students to the Theater
At the Poway Community Foundation, we believe every child in Poway deserves access to experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and open new doors. That belief is why we awarded a $10,000 grant to Poway OnStage's ArtsEd OnStage Partner School Program at Valley Elementary, ensuring that financial circumstances would never be the reason a child misses out on the magic of live performance.
During the 2025-2026 school year, 664 Valley Elementary students participated in professional student matinee performances, curriculum-based learning, and arts education experiences. For many, it was their first time seeing a live professional performance, and for some, it may be their only opportunity to experience one.
Students experienced a thoughtfully curated season that included:
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
Cirque Blizzard, featuring breathtaking acrobatics
Sewam American Indian Dance, celebrating vibrant Indigenous traditions
Taiko Drumming, showcasing powerful rhythmic artistry
Cinderella Ballet, a timeless classical performance
Each performance was paired with educational resources that extended the learning into the classroom long after the curtain came down.
The outcomes speak for themselves:
664 Valley Elementary students reached, many experiencing live theater for the first time.
Every student attended regardless of family income or circumstance.
Teachers reported increased student engagement, cultural awareness, and excitement for learning.
Valley Elementary's participation contributed to Poway OnStage's broader Student Matinee Program, which served 4,407 students across Poway Unified School District and more than 165,272 students county-wide.
The teachers and students said it best:
"We cannot wait to sign up for another performance. This was an incredible experience for our students. It was the first time seeing a live performance for many of our students. The theater etiquette guide was helpful in communicating expectations before the play. The musical was age appropriate and engaging for 1st grade. Thank you for making this such a memorable experience." - 1st Grade Teacher
"This was such a treat! My students were very engaged and I enjoyed every moment. This was a powerful and wonderful way to learn about Native American culture." - 3rd Grade Teacher
"I love that you're doing this. It makes me happy… It was so inspiring!” - 4th grade student
Stepping into a professional performing arts center sends a message to every child in that seat: you belong here. Exposure to live performance builds empathy, confidence, communication skills, and cultural understanding while creating memories that can last a lifetime.
At Poway Community Foundation, we are proud to support programs like ArtsEd OnStage that help ensure Poway remains a community where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel inspired.