Maureen Dwyer

 Sitar Arts Center engages DC youth, from early childhood to young adulthood, in building a creative community of learning and belonging that removes financial and cultural barriers to arts education and career training.  At Sitar Arts Center, students engage in affordable, high-quality education and workforce development in the visual, digital, and performing arts. Each semester, 80% of students are from DC households at 60% or less of the area median income. Programs take place year-round during out-of-school time in Sitar’s state-of-the-art facilities. For its valuable contributions, Sitar has been recognized locally and nationally with, 2017 Mayor's Arts Award for Excellence in Arts Education; a 2015 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management from The Washington Post; and a 2009 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award.