Atlanta, Georgia – Five thousand dollars can buy an instrument, cover months of dance classes or place a young filmmaker behind a camera. In Atlanta, ten such investments are being used to turn creative ambition into practical opportunity.
Marking the third annual Ciara Day, Atlanta native and Grammy-winning artist Ciara is committing $50,000 to local youth programs, sending equal $5,000 awards to organizations working across music, film, fashion, technology, sports, dance, education and leadership.
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The initiative was developed with the Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife, led by Director Phillana Williams. The money will fund scholarships, tuition, equipment, training, production expenses and educational experiences for young Atlantans exploring careers in the city’s creative economy.
“Atlanta has always been home to me and played such an important role in shaping who I am both as an artist and as a person. The city’s incredible entertainment community poured into me and gave me opportunities to dream big,” Ciara said. “In honor of Ciara Day, it means so much to give back to the next generation by supporting organizations that are empowering young creatives across Atlanta.”
The Atlanta Music Project will purchase instruments and cover class fees, while Black Girls Film Camp will use its award for registration, materials and production costs. Dance 411 Foundation will support dancers with class and competition expenses, and Scratch Out Loud DJ Academy will provide training scholarships and certification opportunities for five young people.
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Le Fashion Lab will cover tuition and materials for one student earning a fashion design certification. SCAD will support one local high school student attending its Rising Star Pre-College Program. RenderATL will provide access to its technology festival and workshops for college, public school and Atlanta-area high school students.
The remaining awards will assist the Game Elite AAU 14U Boys Basketball Team with training, equipment and registration; send one young Atlanta attorney to the 2026 BESLA National Conference in Mexico; and provide soccer classes and equipment through Soccer in the Streets.
Mayor Andre Dickens said the investment supports his administration’s continued focus on youth while strengthening Atlanta’s standing as an arts and entertainment center.
“Atlanta has always been a city where talent is discovered, nurtured and celebrated,” Dickens said. “Ciara’s investment reflects the very best of our city.”
For Ciara, the effort also brings her journey full circle. Before international recognition, she was a young artist shaped by Atlanta’s creative community. This investment now gives another generation more room, resources and confidence to begin building journeys of their own.
