Situation Project Announces New Director of Impact
Celebrating over a decade of supporting underserved communities and providing free arts and cultural experiences in New York City to over 50,000+ students, the nonprofit announces new leadership and expanded vision for the future
New York, NY – August 3, 2023 – Situation Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students in underserved communities in New York City and providing them with opportunities to experience the best of Broadway and live entertainment since 2011, announces Samara Berger as a newly appointed Director of Impact. Under her leadership, Berger will continue to grow the organization's reach by engaging more students in our local communities and supporting their development as future changemakers. She is also dedicated to diversifying fundraising initiatives, sponsorship options, and volunteer mentor opportunities. Situation Project is a 501(c)3 and a subsidiary of Situation Group, a global collective of marketing, advertising and technology companies built to power impact brands - the brands that shape futures.
“At Situation Project, we’ve been honored to reach over 50,000 New York City public school students by providing free opportunities to experience the best in Broadway and world-class arts and cultural experiences, as well as providing over 100 career readiness events and awarding over 50 scholarships to students seeking to reinvest in their local communities,” said Damian Bazadona, Founder/President of Situation Group. “As Situation Project continues to grow post-pandemic, our mission remains the same to bridge the opportunity gap in underserved communities. With our growth, we are delighted to welcome Samara to our team, especially with her background in championing educational equity, and ultimately reaching new audiences, young leaders, and aspiring stars of tomorrow.”
Samara Berger joined Situation Project as Director of Impact in January 2023. Prior to Situation Project, Berger was at New York University as Associate Director of Visitor Relations & Special Events for over six years, where she recruited the leadership and professional development of NYU’s future makers and curated the ambassador program focused on community engagement, community service, and DEIJ initiatives. Prior to NYU, Berger served as the Service Events Director for New York Cares for over seven years, planning and executing large-scale annual events and engaging over 110,000 New Yorkers in revamping public schools, restructuring city parks, and distributing donated materials.
"With the school year almost upon us, we’re looking forward to expanding our work to support the whole student and their cultural and experiential development - in the classroom and beyond. This fall we plan to engage our students in social justice workshops with one of our show partners, a variety of career showcases, local cultural institution visits and live events, all layered with more accessible family engagement opportunities. Our reach is boundless with continued support through sponsorships and partnerships, both new and existing." said Samara Berger, Director of Impact, Situation Project.
Situation Project's work is rooted in sustainable and equitable education opportunities, aligning directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 - aiming to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. By striving for equity, inclusivity, and access to quality education, Situation Project plays a pivotal role in building a world where all students have equity in opportunities for success.
Situation Project partners with the New York City Department of Education and the State and City Universities of New York, as well as a variety of Broadway shows over the past 12 years including but not limited to Aladdin, The Lion King, Frozen, Wicked, School of Matilda, Mary Poppins, Matilda, and so much more.
The primary evolution of Situation Project's programming encompasses three core pillars:
Culture: Recognizing the reduced arts funding for public schools, and the inequity in opportunities accessible to students, Situation Project serves as a bridge between both worlds. By empowering organizations to leverage their resources and providing access to a wide range of opportunities, students are immersed in arts and cultural experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation.
Community: Underserved communities face significant challenges, and Situation Project invests in students who possess a unique perspective, passion, and interest in making a difference. Through community-focused initiatives, students are empowered to become agents of change and contribute to the betterment of their local communities
Career: Situation Project firmly believes that "you can only be what you can see." To bridge the gap between aspirations and opportunities, the organization provides comprehensive support through career readiness programs and mentorship activities. By equipping students with essential skills and connecting them with industry professionals, Situation Project prepares them for successful futures.
For more information about Situation Project and to stay updated on the latest news and developments, visit https://www.situationproject.org or follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
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About Situation Project: Situation Project is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 with the mission to support students in underserved communities by providing equitable and impactful experiential opportunities to improve student outcomes. Over the past decade, the organization has delivered over 50,000 student experiences to world-class arts and cultural organizations, hosted over 100 career readiness events, and awarded over 50 scholarships to students seeking to reinvest in their local communities. By empowering students through transformative experiences, Situation Project is dedicated to creating a future where all students have equal access to opportunities for success through education.
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