Grantee Database

SODE SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS AND SOPHIE OLSON DANCE EXPLOSION INC

Grant Year

2026-27

Grant Program

General Operating Support

Award Amount

$20,000.00

Project Description

With support from the California Arts Council, SODE School of Performing Arts (Sophie Olson Dance Explosion Inc.) will use General Operating Support funds to strengthen organizational infrastructure by hiring a part-time administrative/human resources professional for 37 weeks. This role will support the Executive Director, who currently oversees all departments, enabling a shift of focus toward creative leadership, curriculum development, and community engagement and outreach. Based on current California mid-level administrative rates, the position will be compensated at $24.34 per hour for approximately 25 hours per week, totaling $608.50 weekly for 37 weeks, or $22,514.50 in wages. The remaining funds of $2,485.50 will cover employer payroll taxes and administrative processing fees through our payroll provider, NetPay. This investment will increase organizational capacity, improve efficiency, and strengthen long-term sustainability of programs and community partnerships overall impact growth.

Organization Summary

SODE School of Performing Arts provides high-quality, arts-integrated programming designed to meet the academic and social-emotional needs of diverse student populations. Our core services include multicultural dance and assembly programs that expose students to global cultures; in-school residencies that support standards-based learning; the Happy Dancing Brain program, (letting the brain dance before the body does), after-school STEAM workshops that blend science and the arts through hands-on, project-based learning; multicultural after-school programming that reflects and celebrates the communities we serve; and bilingual musical theater programs that enhance both performance skills and language development. SODE’s programs are designed with measurable impact in mind. Participating students demonstrate increased classroom engagement, improved confidence in self-expression, and strengthened collaboration skills. Schools report higher levels of student participation in arts programming and positive feedback from families, particularly in under served and multilingual communities. By partnering closely with educators, administrators, and parents, SODE ensures that programming is responsive, accessible, and aligned with community needs—creating lasting educational and cultural impact.

Organization

SODE SCHOOL OF PERFORMING ARTS AND SOPHIE OLSON DANCE EXPLOSION INC

Address

4566 CLELAND AVE

LOS ANGELES

90065-4131

County

Los Angeles

Region

South – Los Angeles & Orange

Website

Email

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