The Norman Jordan African American Arts and Heritage Academy (AAAHA) gives students a concentrated study experience in the arts discipline of their choice at the West Virginia University (WVU) campus in Morgantown, WV. Each year, 50 students between the ages of 13 and 18 immerse themselves in their chosen craft for one week. At the end of the Academy, students perform in a showcase for faculty and invited guests.

About Us

Students from around Appalachia and the Eastern U.S. attend the Academy to learn the theory and technique of their art as well as the cultural heritage embedded in the history of that expression. We provide students instruction in literature, creative writing, dance, museum studies, audio/video technology, vocal and instrumental music, theater arts, and visual arts. We supplement these courses with workshops by WVU professors in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), who teach students the relationship between STEM and art.

At the end of this immersive adventure, students have not only gained knowledge and practical experience in several disciplines, they learn positive work ethic and how to live, work, and play in a college environment. This is the first experience with higher education for many, and most of our students leave inspired and confident enough to pursue the university degree they never before thought was within their reach. The Academy is also often our students’ first chance to explore and express themselves artistically in a supportive, bully-free environment.

Our Need

The goal of this campaign is to raise $10,000 to assist us in paying the remaining balance from last year’s academy. If we’re unable to pay our WVU bill by the end of June 2016 and fund the next Academy by July 2016, after thirty years of building up our young people, we will be unable to fulfill their dreams another year.

This past summer the Academy suffered the great loss of founder and Executive Director Norman Jordan. It would be both heartbreaking to end Norman’s legacy and a tremendous loss to the community if the Academy were forced to close due to an inability to fulfill our financial obligations.

How You Can Help

It only takes a few seconds to share our story with your friends via social media, so please take a moment to provide that tremendous value to us. You can like us on Facebook (https://goo.gl/88r5dM) to see regular updates on our other fundraising efforts and visit our website (http://theaaaha.spruz.com) to learn more about the Academy and witness the incredible talent of our students.

Please help our students embrace the world of creative expression and grow their sense of self by supporting the Academy today.

How We Will Recognize your Contribution to the Academy

All donations will be individually recognized on the Norman Jordan African American Arts and Heritage Academy website and Facebook page.

Donations of $500 and above will be recognized on the website, Facebook page, and in the 2016 showcase program.

Donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized on the website, Facebook page, and in the 2016 showcase program. For such generosity, a student will also incorporate the donor’s name into the final performance piece at the showcase, which will be video recorded and shared online.

All requests for donor anonymity will be observed.