The P.A.M. (Performing Arts Matter!) Scholarship

The "P.A.M." (Performing Arts Matter!) scholarship was developed in respect and support of Sisters of Nia, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to serving adolescent girls living in urban Sacramento communities. Our beloved and esteemed program seeks to empower socially and economically disadvantaged adolescent girls by providing cultural and educational programs designed to instill strong social skills, to boost confidence, and to enhance artistic development through performing arts opportunities for young ladies. Over the past 15 years, Sisters of Nia has served hundreds of girls and youth throughout the Sacramento region through community activities and service, annual youth leadership conferences, talent shows, summer performing arts camps, and much more. 

One of the highlights of our program is our ability to provide arts scholarships for young ladies (ages 10-14) in their desire to participate in performing arts programs.  Every summer, we host a "Camp Nia" performing arts program. Participants engage in acting, singing, dancing, and set design classes based on a play that they perform at the end of the program for family and community.  Our program participants gain incredible self esteem, learn valuable skills in the arts, and improve their mental health through the experience.  Moreover, Sisters of Nia's Camp Nia participants report that their experiences on stage nurture self confidence that they carry throughout life!  It is our great honor to be able to provide young girls scholarships to Camp Nia, and the opportunity to be a part of such an enriching experience. Your donation will help provide much-needed performing arts scholarship assistance to young ladies whose lives will be changed.  It will truly be a gift that keeps on giving!

The "P.A.M." fundraiser has a double meaning! It not only stands for Performing Arts Matter, but also stands in honor of my dear mother-in-law Pamela Joynes. Sista Pam is a devoted mother, sister, friend, and human being who has lived in the Sacramento region for the past 50 years. After suffering a stroke in 2020, she was relocated to a rehabilitation center, where she is currently exhibiting amazing strength and perseverance.  One conversation with Sista Pam will ensure her humor, wit, and intelligence is indeed intact, even though she is no longer able to walk or use a wheelchair.  As a grandmother of a Sisters of Nia alumni, Sista Pam was and still is a firm supporter of our performing arts program and our participants, and is honored to have a scholarship dedicated in her name. Please help us support our girls through P.A.M.!