BALAA offers a free After School Program that runs Monday through Friday, from 2 PM to 7 PM and from 12 PM to 7 PM on half-days. Students receive dedicated academic time, music education, and learn marching band fundamentals. Children may choose between dance, percussion and horn instruction. Transportation options available from schools in the area. Click here to register for our After School Program. 

BALAA Beauties is an all girls initiative that provides opportunities for girls ages 5 to 18 to explore the arts in creative ways. The girls participate in dance workshops, empowerment activities, character development activities, and leadership training. There is no fee to participate in BALAA Beauties. Interested families may register their girls here.

The Empire Marching Elite (TEME) is a New York City Community Marching Band. It presents traditional HBCU style marching arts in the Big Apple and provides opportunities for members to seek marching band scholarships to HBCUs. There is no fee to participate in TEME. Click here for more information.

This is our adult wellness program. From fitness and self care to financial literacy, we offer programs to improve the overall health of adults in the community. There is no fee to participate in BALAA Legacy. To register, click here.

Junior Empire Marching Elite (JEME) is our beginner marching band open to young people in grades PK to 12. JEME was developed from After School and Summer Enrichment participants who spend the academic year and six weeks in the summer learning instrumental music and dance basics, including reading horn and percussion music, embouchure, and technique. Students must be enrolled in After School and / or Summer Enrichment to be eligible for participation. There is no fee to participate in JEME. Click here for more information.

BALAA Brawns is a male mentorship program designed to sever the pupil to prison pipeline in New York City.  Open to boys ages 9 to 18, members are matched with male mentors, and have the opportunity to participate in mentorship retreats, sports outings, empowerment workshops and other male bonding activities. There is no fee to participate in BALAA Brawns. Interested families may register their boys here.

The BALAA Summer Enrichment Program is a six-week program that offers young people a variety of arts exploration. Monday through Thursday, participants engage in a range of activities including authorship, music education, arts and crafts, and physical education. On Fridays, participants explore New York City by visiting historical landmarks, local parks and playgrounds, museums and libraries, and special events hosted by community organizations. Our summer program is affordable and accessible, and there are scholarships and financial assistance options available. Click here to see photos of Summer Enrichment 2021. Contact us for more information regarding costs and financial assistance.

Our workforce empowerment program is offered in partnership with Market Finder Porter Solutions to support community members struggling to find steady employment, and to support commercial and residential property owners manage the challenges associated with building maintenance and sanitation regulations. Registration for the next cohort of job training and placement begins on June 1, 2024.