Valerie Benton, a passionate educator, founded Janus College Preparatory & Arts Academies with a noble mission. Her story began in 2001 when she started this institution to inspire Milwaukee youths through arts-focused learning. Located at 161 W. Wisconsin Ave., JCPAA has long been a hub for art-loving students. It partners with schools to enable students to earn academic credits for arts-related courses, offering a wide range of training in music, dance, theater, and visual arts.

Unlock the Potential of Milwaukee Students through Arts Education

Founding the Academies

Valerie Benton's decision to establish Janus College Preparatory & Arts Academies was driven by her deep desire to make a difference in the lives of Milwaukee students. Through the arts, she believed she could ignite a passion for learning and personal growth. In 2001, she took the first step towards realizing this vision, creating an environment where students could thrive.The academy's location at 161 W. Wisconsin Ave. became a center of artistic activity. It attracted students from all walks of life, providing them with a unique opportunity to explore their creative talents. By partnering with schools, JCPAA opened doors to academic success for students interested in the arts.

The Impact of the Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic brought significant changes to JCPAA's operations. Most of the group's programming shifted from large group-centered activities to smaller groups with fewer partners. This shift affected the organization's capacity to serve, but Benton and her team remained committed to helping at-risk Milwaukee high school students.Despite the challenges, the academy continued to move forward, adapting to the new circumstances. Benton saw this as an opportunity to explore alternative learning options and provide more personalized support to students.

Academic Recovery and Success Stories

Patrick Morgan's daughter, D'zire, faced difficulties in staying productive at school. However, when she learned about the opportunity to earn credits through JCPAA, her life took a turn for the better.Morgan was initially worried about his daughter's behavior and academic performance. But after enrolling her in the program, he saw a significant change. D'zire not only improved academically but also discovered her true passions through various art forms.For D'zire herself, the program was a life-changing experience. She was excited to earn credits for dancing and modeling and realized that through art, she could explore her future and set goals for herself.

Helping 'Forgotten' Students

Before becoming Janus College Preparatory & Arts Academies, the organization was known as Northern Star School. Benton started this school in response to the high teen pregnancy rates in Milwaukee's middle schools in the early '90s.As a former Milwaukee Public Schools teacher, Benton noticed that many girls were getting pregnant and dropping out of school. She wanted to give these "forgotten" students a chance and started researching ways to engage them.The school ran for about 10 years before closing, but Benton's commitment to helping these students never faded. When she reopened the school as JCPAA, she continued to incorporate art into the curriculum, providing a safe space for students to grow and learn.

Affordable Training and Passionate Instructors

Janus College Preparatory & Arts Academies has a small team of about 10 creatives who work tirelessly to provide quality arts education. They offer private and small group instruction, as well as tutoring and mentoring services.The goal of keeping the training affordable is at the heart of everything they do. Benton understands the financial burden that art education can place on families and strives to make it accessible to all.Many students, like D'zire Morgan, have been able to participate in the program without having to pay out of pocket. This is because of partnerships with schools and the dedication of the instructors.Benton's instructors have day jobs, but they are passionate about giving these young people a chance. They believe that art has the power to transform lives and are committed to helping students reach their full potential.

How to Get Involved

Benton emphasizes that JCPAA is a nonprofit organization, and donations are crucial for its continued success. Anyone who wants to support the academy can reach out and visit the space.For those interested in partnering with or accessing the program, they can email jcpaastaff@gmail.com or call (414) 763-9061. By getting involved, individuals and schools can play a part in inspiring Milwaukee students and helping them achieve their dreams.