Ciara Honors Atlanta Roots with $50,000 Investment in Local Youth
Thursday, July 30th, 2026
In celebration of the second annual Ciara Day, multi-platinum, GRAMMY-winning cultural icon, philanthropist, entrepreneur and Atlanta native Ciara is investing $50,000 in Atlanta's next generation of creatives through a partnership with the Mayor's Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife.
The investment will support ten Atlanta organizations that create opportunities for young people pursuing careers and passions in music, film, fashion, technology, sports, dance, education and leadership. The funding will provide scholarships, training, equipment, educational experiences and other resources that help young Atlantans develop their talents and pursue their dreams.
The initiative reflects Mayor Andre Dickens' ongoing commitment to making every year of his Administration The Year of the Youth while celebrating Atlanta's unmatched influence as a global capital for arts, entertainment and culture.
“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. 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,” said Ciara.
Working alongside the Mayor's Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife, the initiative identified ten organizations to receive $5,000 whose missions align with expanding access and opportunity for Atlanta youth across the city's creative economy.
"Atlanta has always been a city where talent is discovered, nurtured and celebrated," said Mayor Andre Dickens. "Ciara's investment reflects the very best of our city. She is giving young Atlantans the same kind of opportunities that helped shape her own journey. Thank you to Ciara, for helping to further create pathways that will inspire the next generation of artists, innovators and leaders."
For Ciara, the investment is deeply personal. Before becoming one of the world's most recognizable entertainers, she was a young Atlantan whose dreams were shaped by the city's creative community. Today's announcement continues that legacy by helping create opportunities for the next generation to dream just as big.
“For Soccer in the Streets, this gift is about more than the game. It is about expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and empowering the next generation of leaders. We are honored to celebrate Ciara’s enduring impact on Atlanta and grateful for her partnership in helping Soccer in the Streets create lasting change for generations to come,” said Kaseem Ladipo, Executive Director of Soccer in the Streets.
Selected in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife and Director Phillana Williams, the following organizations will use Ciara's investment to create meaningful opportunities for Atlanta youth:
Atlanta Music Project (Instagram: @atlmusicproject )
Funding will purchase musical instruments and cover class fees for Atlanta youth pursuing a music education.
Funding will purchase musical instruments and cover class fees for Atlanta youth pursuing a music education.
Black Girls Film Camp (Instagram: @blackgirlsfilmcamp )
Funding will cover registration, materials and production costs for Atlanta youth participating in the program.
Funding will cover registration, materials and production costs for Atlanta youth participating in the program.
BESLA (Black Entertainment & Sports Lawyers Association) (Instagram: @besla_inc )
Funding will allow one young Atlanta attorney to attend the 2026 BESLA National Conference in Mexico, providing access to workshops, industry leaders, on-site training and invaluable networking opportunities.
Funding will allow one young Atlanta attorney to attend the 2026 BESLA National Conference in Mexico, providing access to workshops, industry leaders, on-site training and invaluable networking opportunities.
Dance 411 Foundation (Instagram: @dance411 )
Funding will cover class fees for Atlanta youth with a passion for dance and registration costs for competitive dancers who have advanced to the next level.
Funding will cover class fees for Atlanta youth with a passion for dance and registration costs for competitive dancers who have advanced to the next level.
Game Elite AAU 14U Boys Basketball Team (Instagram: @gameeliteatl)
Funding will support registration fees, training and equipment for the nationally ranked 14U boys basketball team.
Funding will support registration fees, training and equipment for the nationally ranked 14U boys basketball team.
Le Fashion Lab (Instagram: @le_fashion_lab )
Funding will cover tuition and materials for one Atlanta youth to complete the program and earn a certification in fashion design.
Funding will cover tuition and materials for one Atlanta youth to complete the program and earn a certification in fashion design.
RenderATL (Instagram: @renderatl )
Funding will provide registration for Atlanta college and university students to attend RenderATL Tech Fest, as well as Atlanta Public Schools and Atlanta-based high school students to participate in technology workshops.
Funding will provide registration for Atlanta college and university students to attend RenderATL Tech Fest, as well as Atlanta Public Schools and Atlanta-based high school students to participate in technology workshops.
SCAD (Instagram: @scad)
Funding will cover expenses for one Atlanta Public Schools or Atlanta-based high school student to attend SCAD's Rising Star Pre-College Program.
Funding will cover expenses for one Atlanta Public Schools or Atlanta-based high school student to attend SCAD's Rising Star Pre-College Program.
Scratch Out Loud DJ Academy (Instagram: @scratchoutloud )
Funding will provide scholarships for five Atlanta youth to participate in DJ training and earn certification in the art of DJing.
Funding will provide scholarships for five Atlanta youth to participate in DJ training and earn certification in the art of DJing.
Soccer in the Streets (Instagram: @soccerinthestreets )
Funding will cover classes and equipment for Atlanta youth who have demonstrated a passion for soccer and a commitment to the sport.
Funding will cover classes and equipment for Atlanta youth who have demonstrated a passion for soccer and a commitment to the sport.
Learn more about the Mayor’s Office of Film, Entertainment and Nightlife here.
