Entertainment
Make this yours. Add images, text and links, or connect data from your collection.
Lifestyle
Make this yours. Add images, text and links, or connect data from your collection.
Sports
Make this yours. Add images, text and links, or connect data from your collection.
Technology
Make this yours. Add images, text and links, or connect data from your collection.
THE SMART PROJECT
Meet Smarty Pants, our mascot. The most creative brain ever.
Our Program
The Smart Project, established in 2019, is a free Dallas-based youth creative art program (nonprofit). The idea of starting a supportive creative youth program was formed by founder, Nitashia Johnson, in 2015. She later began making this idea a reality with a small passionate team in 2018. As a result, the first creative workshop ran the following year in the fall of 2019. This program offers 8-12 grade students from underserved backgrounds creative lesson plans focusing on photography, digital media, and the visual arts as well as providing creative community teaching opportunities.
Our Mission
Students will prepare for their college and career experience by giving them the tools needed to succeed as artists, designers, photographers, and creative writers. We believe that all students are capable of achieving success in their chosen field of study. This is what motivates The Smart Project. Through the program, students will create portfolio pieces and gain confidence in their abilities.
Program Philosophy
Art and design education can be truly rewarding for all students, as creative techniques provide a unique understanding of the world around us and the way it functions. We strive to connect people of various ages and backgrounds to become either a mentee or a mentor within the program.
Not only will learners who participate in this program develop and improve
their creativity, but they will also become strong critical thinkers, learning to communicate effectively and make wise/sound choices while creating.
The process of expressing creativity through different avenues allows the
world to thrive.
As such, our program requires the use of current technologies and benefits mentees by giving them opportunities to express themselves, collaborate
with others, and experience self-directed learning. The skills and knowledge acquired through this program also benefit students in their day-to-day academic growth. We also offer virtual workshops to mentees who are not
able to meet in person.
Program Goal
The program’s central objective is to evaluate student growth and knowledge in alignment with the goals established through each creative discipline. After-school activities will correspond with lesson goals and in-school assignments. Upon completion of the program, students will possess a core understanding of creative techniques, by developing the necessary skills and creative abilities to succeed as artists, designers, and photographers.
