We love highlighting amazing community programs and partners from the University Area. This year, we’re especially delighted to have the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program join us at Gulf Coast MakerCon 2025.
Prodigy® Cultural Arts Program (Prodigy®) is a researched-based prevention program for youth ages 5-17. Prodigy® is primarily funded by a partnership between UACDC and the Department of Juvenile Justice to provide programming across West Central Florida. The purpose of the program is to equip youth with life skills that will develop lifelong positive habits for future success. Prodigy® has served nearly 45,000 youth in its 24 years of existence and since it has offered programming to adults and seniors in recent years.
At MakerCon, the organization will be showcasing young artists in the Prodigy Cultural Arts Program, highlighting how art can inspire personal growth, community engagement, and creative expression. Attendees will experience a dynamic range of visual and performance art reflecting the talent and passion of Tampa Bay’s youth.
The group plans to present a live street dance performance that highlights the creativity, discipline, and expression fostered within our youth arts programming. The performance will feature freestyle hip-hop, popping, and locking, showcasing both the cultural roots and modern evolution of street dance. Through this performance, we aim to celebrate the power of movement as a tool for youth engagement, personal development, and artistic innovation.
We can’t wait to see these great students in action, and hope you’ll join us at Gulf Coast MakerCon on May 31 to celebrate their work and skill!