In 2006, legendary writer and producer Vy Higginsen and gospel legend Dr. Emily "Cissy" Houston, joined forces to teach aspiring teenagers about the importance of gospel music as an art form.

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Gospel for Teens is an award-winning program of The Mama Foundation for the Arts and Vy Higginsen's School of Gospel, Jazz and R&B Arts. It has grown to be a highly respected and influential source of education and self-development for youth.

*THE GOSPEL FOR TEENS PROGRAM WON TWO-EMMYS FOR THEIR TWO-PART EPISODES*

VIEW PART 1 AND 2 BELOW

GOSPEL FOR TEENS

60 Minutes - Part 1

GOSPEL FOR TEENS

60 Minutes - Part 2

Scholarship Classes

Each semester, between 50 and 75 participants are selected through an audition process to learn music history and vocal techniques in classes held at the Foundation's renovated Harlem brownstone. Students are encouraged to discover their personal artistic talent and expressions while building self-confidence on and off stage.

Keep the Music Alive - Keep Us Free!

The Gospel for Teens Program was created to pass the music from this generation to the next. The members serve as ambassadors of gospel music, uniting people of every race, nationality, religious, or spiritual background with a universal message that we are more alike than we are different. 

Fundrasing Benefit Concert

At the end of each semester, we hold a large fundraising benefit concert including all class  levels to show family and friends all they have learned. It is also a fundraising event to help keep the program tuition free to the students and their families.

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Next Fundraising Benefit Concert: June 6, 2020