transcenDANCE programs provide youth development opportunities through a unique three-tiered program model: CONNECT, CREATE, CONTRIBUTE. transcenDANCE CONNECTS to youth and communities through in-school and out-of-school time dance classes, artist-in-residency programs, outreach performances, and summer camps. CREATE is the heart of the transcenDANCE programs. Youth explore dance and the performing arts through rigorous dance training and immersion in a social change and social emotional learning curriculum over 7-9 months, which culminates in an annual performance on a professional San Diego stage. transcenDANCE alumni CONTRIBUTE to transcenDANCE through performances, teaching and choreography assistantships and paid roles, and mentoring of incoming students. All students have access to mental health services, mentorship, and leadership development opportunties. Our students’ transformative experience develops their leadership skills, social and emotional resilience, and confidence to change the trajectories of their lives and positively impact the communities they live in.