Skip to main content
501(c)(3) Youth Nonprofit · St. Louis/St. Charles, MO

God's Gifted Next Generation

It's All About The Next Generation!

GIFTED fosters positive connections for youth through Performing Arts, Education, and Sports — making life-changing deposits of knowledge, self-awareness, and skills for ages 5–21.

200+
Youth Served
17+
Years Active
3
Core Pillars
"To foster a positive connection with disadvantaged youth through the vehicle of performance arts, to promote education, build self-esteem, and increase productivity."

Our Vision

To make life-changing deposits of knowledge, awareness, and relevant skills through music, education, performance arts, and sports for disadvantaged youth, ages 5–21.

Our Purpose

To influence, mentor, and develop disadvantaged youth who have a passion for the performance arts and help ensure they are equipped to pursue their academic goals.

Our Commitment

Every effort is made to recruit volunteers and instructors who are positive role models, empowering youth to make choices that maximize their current and future potential.

Three Pillars of Impact

Where Performing Arts, Education, and Sports meet to save our youth of tomorrow.

Pillar One

Performing Arts

The foundation of GIFTED. We harness youth talent by training, providing skills, and goal planning. Research shows performing youth are 4x more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.

  • Voice & Instrumental Lessons
  • Dance & Songwriting
  • Music Theory & Production
  • GarageBand Software Training
  • Music Recording
Pillar Two

Education

GIFTED provides students with the tools to be successful in school and life. We offer authentic learning experiences outside the traditional classroom, building a firm educational foundation.

  • Tutoring & Homework Help
  • Mentorship Programs
  • College & Career Readiness
  • Standardized Test Prep
  • Life Readiness Skills
Pillar Three

Sports

Playing sports is therapeutic. The GIFTED Sports Program is organized for intramural play and one-on-one training, building confidence, teamwork, and discipline.

  • Basketball & Flag Football
  • Volleyball & Track
  • Baseball & Soccer
  • Physical Fitness & Health
  • Interpersonal Skill Building

Making a Difference Every Day

200+
Youth Served Since 2009
17+
Years in the Community
4
GEEM Scholarship Recipients
5–21
Ages Served

Our Youth Community

GIFTED proudly serves a diverse cross-section of youth from St. Charles to St. Louis, Missouri and their surrounding communities.

By Ethnicity

African American55%
Other21%
Caucasian9%
Hispanic8%
Bi-Racial7%

By Age Group

Ages 10–1550%
Ages 5–935%
Ages 16–2115%

By Gender

Female54%
Male46%
Program Hours
Mon–Fri: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Est. 2017 · Renamed GEEM 2020

GEEM Scholarship

In memory of Greyland Banks, Earl Rice, Eric Cummings, and Gladys Mathis — honoring their legacy through the next generation.

Past Recipients
Steve Moore
Multi-instrument musician
Kayla Summy
Musical skills in college
Isaac Fullerton
Attending college
Christopher Randolph
Jazz trumpet minor

Investing In Tomorrow's Leaders

The GIFTED Scholarship was established in 2017. In 2020, it became the GEEM Scholarship in memory of several GIFTED Executive Board Members.

The GEEM Scholarship is awarded annually to a youth who demonstrates academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership to assist in furthering their post-secondary education.

Academic Achievement

Demonstrated excellence in academic performance and commitment to education.

Community Involvement

Active participation in community service and positive contributions to society.

Leadership

Demonstrated leadership qualities and the ability to inspire others.

Apply for the GEEM Scholarship

What Our Community Says

Arts programming is needed to help impact the youth in our community. A program like GIFTED can enhance young people's attitudes about themselves and their futures — it helps children succeed in school and in life.

Harry Parker
Gulf Shores Restaurant & Grill, Creve Coeur, MO

GIFTED has made a tremendous impact on St. Louis communities through their youth workshops and concerts. Youth were highly motivated and developed confidence while performing together as one unit.

Carolyn Shield
Instructor/Owner, Joyful Sounds Music Academy

The GIFTED program provides team and relationship-building skills, self-confidence, and self-esteem through music while promoting respect and perseverance. A wonderful provider for our youth.

Rev. Dr. Allan Buckman
Chairperson, Christian Friends of New Americans