(Tracy Cooper, Executive Director of Teens Count and Mariessa Terrell)

On April 11, 2008, zealous youth advocates from all over the DMV will submit their bids to OCP to provide summer youth programming for the Mayor’s Passport to Work programs.  This year it is estimated that at least 15 percent of the bids will be submitted by non-profits with a mission to promote fashion in the District. 

WDC appears to be enamored with fashion.  We have 4 magazines dedicated to local fashion.  There are almost 5 fashion related events every week in the city.  And we celebrate new boutique openings virtually every month.   Our youth are no exception.  For the last fiver years, they many local youth have participated in “Fashion Battles” throughout the DMV.  Tracey Cooper, founder of Teens Count and creator of the DC “School Fashion Battle” agreed to talk with us about the newest youth craze!

Mariessa (M):  What sets your non-profit, Teens Count apart from other youth groups?

Tracy Cooper (TC):  Our non-profit provides rewarding experiences to youth interested in the performing and fashion arts ages 12-19. Our program fuses fashion and theater.   Students learn theatrical techniques such as improvisation, runway modeling and auditioning skills.  They also learn how to build props and staging, set-up lighting, etc.

M:  Tell us about your annual youth program, the School Fashion Battle.

TC:   2008 marks our fifth year presenting the “Battle” event.  The “Battle” is a high school competition that fuses fashion and theater.  The students select themes, choreograph and execute an 8-minute scene idea.   Schools are awarded prizes for the best presentation.  The 2008 event was held on January 19, 2008 at The Constitution Hall. 

M: Why do you think your event resonates with so many youth in this area?

TC:  I think they see our event as an opportunity to “represent” their school.  In 2004, the Battle was held at Bowie State University.  The capacity was 999.  The next year we held the production at the University of Maryland Theater that holds 1250.  A year later, we moved to the Camelot of Upper Marlboro.  Their ballroom holds 1875 people.  We sold out that venue.  Then, we moved it to Constitution Hall in 2007 and 2008.   We continue to grow because our youth are interested in creative programming.  We live in a creative culture now.   We have a huge creative side that we need to address.  It is critical that we massage their interests and provide programming that can hold the attention of our students.

(Duke Ellington High School-the winners of the 2008 Teens Count School Fashion Battle)

M:  Have any of your students pursued careers in the fashion industry?

TC:  We have several students at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NY.  One of my students is attending a design school in California.  Another student obtained an internship with Russ (Russell Simmons) Philanthropic.  We have several students with great success stories.  We find that our program inspires DC youth to pursue higher education!
In order to participate, students must attend school and earn at least a 2.5 grade point average.  In addition, we surround our student participants with role models.  Additionally, we create programming that is not only fun but also helps to build strong characters and better values.  Teen Count is an in-school program.  So the students are in a controlled positive environment between 3pm and 7 pm.  This is a critical hour for youth because a lot of our parents are at work during these times.  Unfortunately, our teens are falling prey to drug addition, gang violence, alcohol addition and teenage pregnancy.  We provide a safe place for our youth.

M:  You were kind enough to testify on June 15, in support of the legislation to create a Fashion Commission in DC.  Do you think the Fashion Commission can help your agency?

TC:  I believe the Fashion Commission will help us raise awareness about the need for youth programming that actually resonates with our youth. We have applied for several grants with the Commission on the Arts and we have been told repeatedly that they fashion programs do not meet their funding criteria.  I find it challenging to get grants that support fashion programs even though I think fashion is a form of art.  I am hoping that the Commission can help.  Fashion is a viable and marketable subject matter.  A lot of our kids are interested in it.  We can use their interest in fashion to introduce them to many important skills including character and self esteem.  

M:  If you were granted an audience with the Mayor or the Office of Economic Development is there anything specific that you’d like to tell them about your needs?

T:  Yes, I would like to discuss the lack of funding for fashion related youth programs.   For the last five years, our youth have had to create their own costumes, build and develop their own sets and props with no funding or support from the government.  The result is that our kids have to come out of their own pockets to find money to build sets, create their costumes, etc.  In addition to funding, we would ask the Administration to attend the events.  Hopefully this year, the Council Members will agree to attend.

M:  Thanks, Ms. Cooper for speaking with us!

TC:  Thank you.

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