MEETING AT-PROMISE YOUTH WHERE THEY DREAM
“The term “at-promise” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Dorill mission. We reject the notion that these young creatives are “at-risk.” Instead, we acknowledge that they are filled with potential, promise, and endless possibilities if we provide them with the right tools, opportunities, and a nurturing environment. Our commitment to their growth is unwavering.” – Tareake Dorill Ramos
The Dorill Method is a revolutionary approach to arts education, rooted in radical disruption and innovation across multiple artistic disciplines. Our pedagogy combines high rigor and high culture with reality-based learning and healing-centered engagement, cultivating a dynamic space where At-Promise Youth transcend barriers and redefine possibilities.
Through culturally resonant teaching in dance, drama, media, music, spoken word, visual arts, and creative maker spaces, we guide Young Citizen Artists to confront real-world challenges, honor their lived experiences, and find healing through each form of creative expression. This method transforms classrooms into spaces of radical liberation, where youth are trained not just to master their craft, but to lead, disrupt, and spark lasting change in their communities.
Dorill Arts Programs
HOW WE DO IT
Dorill Arts Programs ignite Young Citizen Artists (YCAs) as fearless catalysts for transformation, harnessing the power of Dance, Drama, Media, Music, Spoken Word, Visual Art, and Creative Maker Space to dismantle oppressive systems in their neighborhoods. We cultivate visionary thought leaders through dynamic intergenerational dialogues that challenge the status quo and drive tangible change in their homes, schools, and communities. By embracing restorative justice and holistic, trauma-informed practices, we create brave, safe spaces where the arts thrive and where families are celebrated as promises of potential, not as risks to be managed.
SUMMER
ARTS
5 WEEKS INTENSIVE
Summer Arts Dorill is a joyful, intensive summer experience that builds artistic mastery, collaboration, and neighborhood pride. Summer programs help reduce youth isolation, prevent summer learning loss, and provide safe, community-rooted enrichment aligned with youth wellbeing and neighborhood vitality.
July 6th – August 7th, 2025
Program Time: Monday- Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm Program
Location: To Be Announced!
SATURDAY
ARTS
10-MONTH PROGRAM
Saturday Arts is an eight-hour immersion in creativity, rigor, identity, leadership, and community belonging. Saturday Arts directly addresses the affordability crisis by providing no-cost, high-caliber arts training. It strengthens youth mental health, restores third spaces, and expands access to culturally responsive civic arts education aligned with citywide priorities.
Fall Start Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
Program Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm Program
Location: The Lower Eastside Girls Club – 402 East 8th Street, New York, NY 10009
In-School
Arts
15 WEEKS WORKSHOP SERIES
In-School Arts operates in partnership with NYC Public Schools to integrate arts, SEL, and civic inquiry directly into the school day, This ensures young people receive rigorous creative learning regardless of zip code.
Standard Package: $5,000 (15 Workshops)
AFTER SCHOOL
ARTS
10-MONTH PROGRAM
After School Arts operates in partnership with NYC Public Schools and Community Based Organizations to integrate arts, SEL, and civic inquiry directly to out-of-school time. This ensures young people receive rigorous creative learning regardless of zip code.
REM/ARTS
A bridge from artistry to artistry-plus-leadership. Emerging creators develop their craft, business skills, and civic consciousness through mentorship, hands-on learning, and community projects. Supports young adults 16-24 navigating the affordability crisis by building creative workforce readiness.
nEXTGEN KNIGHTS
NextGen Knights is a mentorship program coaching male-identifying youth ages 10 – 18 to redefine masculinity through artistic expression, critical dialogue, and community engagement.
CATALYST ARTS
CatalystARTS is a mentorship program coaching female-identifying youth ages 10 – 18 to redefine femininity through artistic expression, critical dialogue, and community engagement.
NEX(US) FAM
Honoring the role families play in learning, healing, stability, and community transformation. Strengthening intergenerational support systems to improve youth mental health and community safety.
CHOSEN HOME COALITION
Chosen Home Coalition is a mentorship program for runaway and homeless youth, using artistic expression as a tool for self-discovery and advocacy.
(IM)POSSIBLE PROMISE
(IM)Possible Promise is an arts wellness diversion program that embraces the belief that a story does not end with a mistake; rather, it is at that very juncture that a new narrative begins.