Frederick “JD” Davis recognized an opportunity to enhance learning through cultural connection. Understanding that traditional teaching methods weren’t reaching all students, Davis and his team developed an innovative approach using music and characters.

The comprehensive science, technology, engineering, art and math education program serves 450 to 500 children annually through its innovative eight-week rotation model.

In 2024, WayOut Kids received a significant Community Reinvestment Project grant from Commerce to incorporate violence prevention into its program.

The Be Aware Violence Prevention Program combines animation, comic strips, and interactive activities featuring Rodney Raccoon and his friends. Through engaging animations, children learn essential safety lessons and various aspects of violence prevention. 

“Each program session includes hands-on science experiments, technology exploration, engineering challenges, artistic expression, and mathematics, all while weaving in important messages about community safety and personal responsibility,” Davis said.

Read the WayOut Kids story on our website.