Confluence Conversations

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This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the partnership between Confluence Academies and River City Outdoors and the meaningful opportunities it creates for Old North Academy students. 

Through hands-on experiences such as paddling, camping, environmental stewardship projects, and community cleanups, students are developing new skills, building confidence, and connecting with the amazing rivers and lakes in the St. Louis region. River City Outdoors works to make outdoor recreation accessible, inclusive, and transformative for all, helping young people discover the benefits of outdoor adventure while fostering community pride and environmental responsibility. 

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This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the partnership between Confluence Academies and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis and the shared mission of supporting the whole child. Through after-school programming, athletics, academic support, summer enrichment, and mentorship, the partnership helps remove barriers and create opportunities for students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. 

The conversation will explore the long-standing impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs in the St. Louis region, particularly through the Herbert Hoover and Mathews-Dickey locations, and the impact those programs have on Confluence Academies students. 

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This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the The Muny and the many opportunities available to students through one of St. Louis’ most iconic arts institutions. 

For more than a century, The Muny has introduced young people to the performing arts through educational programs that inspire creativity, build confidence, and develop professional skills. Through initiatives such as Muny Kids and Teens, Muny in Schools, the Technical Theatre Training Program (T3), and the Muny Summer Intensive, students gain access to high-quality arts education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences both on and off the stage. 

Today's conversation explores how students can become involved with these programs, the impact arts education can have on personal and professional growth, and how partnerships between schools and arts organizations help create pathways for young artists to discover their potential and pursue their dreams.

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This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the meaningful partnership between Grand Center Arts Academy (GCAA) and its Grand Center Arts District neighbor, the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. 

Through this collaboration, students are given access to experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. From attending and performing at major cultural events like Music at the Intersection to participating in programs like High Noon—where live performances activate the school day—students are immersed in a vibrant creative ecosystem. 

This conversation explores how intentional partnerships within the arts community create space for students to grow as performers, build confidence, and gain exposure to professional artistic environments. 

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This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the dynamic partnership between Dance St. Louis and Grand Center Arts Academy (GCAA) and the meaningful opportunities it creates for students in the Dance Pathway.

As Dance St. Louis celebrates its 60th season of bringing world-class dance to St. Louis audiences, its partnership with GCAA exemplifies how arts organizations and schools can work together to provide authentic, professional experiences for students. Through initiatives such as the Dance St. Louis Artist in Residence program—where professional dancers spend three weeks embedded at GCAA—and opportunities for Dance Pathway students to perform alongside professional artists, students gain mentorship, exposure, and real-world preparation for future
careers in the arts.

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This episode of Confluence Conversations spotlights The Good Life, an exciting new student-involved video series that blends comedy with meaningful life lessons. Inspired by iconic shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Steve Harvey Show, the series follows college students as they navigate friendships, family, academic pressures, and personal growth on their journey to graduation.
Filmed on location at Grand Center Arts Academy and the historic Sun Theater, the project gives students hands-on experience working alongside industry professionals. 

Directed by Jamal the Comedian and produced by GCAA’s own Eric Ingram, The Good Life is more than a show—it’s an opportunity for students to step into real production roles, build creative skills, and see what’s possible in the world of film and media.

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This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the partnership between Confluence Academies and Walker’s Winners and the shared belief that every child deserves to be recognized, encouraged, and empowered to succeed. 

Founded by St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker and his mother, Katrina M. Walker, Walker’s Winners is a youth development program missioned to promote academic achievement, holistic wellbeing, and personal empowerment through programs and partnerships. Its programs are both in-person and online and include rewarding students for reaching stretch goals, highlighting Goal Getters, and offering material for physical, social and emotional health. Walker’s Winners’ programs and partnerships are designed to help kids and communities thrive. More information can be found at https://walkerswinners.org/ and https://on.confluenceacademy.org/. 

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This episode of Confluence Conversations highlights the partnership between Confluence Academies and the American Red Cross and how this collaboration supports student wellness, community health, and life-saving service. This conversation explores the critical importance of blood donation—especially within the African American community—and the life-saving impact it has for individuals living with sickle cell disease. With one in three Black blood donors matching patients with sickle cell, increasing awareness and participation is essential.  Guests also reflect on the ongoing tornado relief efforts across St. Louis and the powerful work being led by students, schools, and community organizations. They highlight how these partnerships are providing essential support, rebuilding connections, and showing what it means to show up for one another in moments of need.

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In this episode of Confluence Conversations, we highlight the unique partnership between Grand Center Arts Academy (GCAA) and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO)—and how it creates real-world opportunities for students across Confluence Academies.

Maureen Byrne of the SLSO joins the conversation alongside GCAA student Denim Browder and faculty member Kirk Hanser to share how mentorship, collaboration, and access to professional arts spaces transform learning beyond the classroom. From performances to behind-the-scenes experiences, students gain rare exposure to a world-class orchestra right in their own neighborhood.

Located side by side in the Grand Center Arts District, GCAA and the SLSO have built a relationship rooted in trust, shared passion for the arts, and a commitment to empowering the next generation of musicians. Together, they’re opening doors, building confidence, and helping students imagine futures in creative and professional music spaces.

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In this episode of Confluence Conversations, host Dr. Lewis-Kelly sits down with Michael Woods, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Dream Builders 4 Equity (DB4E), to discuss DB4E’s partnership with Confluence Academies through the Summer Youth Academy. This eight-week program supports underserved youth ages 16–24 through paid employment, mentorship, and personal and professional development—while also offering hands-on exposure to real estate and opportunities for ownership in book publishing projects.

Joining the conversation is Confluence Academies senior Antone Wilson, who recently completed the Summer Youth Academy and shares a firsthand perspective on what the experience offered and how it helped shape his future.

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