For Schools
Elevate your school’s impact with One Common Unity’s transformative programs.
Together we can create more compassionate communities and empower the youth of DC.
In the wake of a series of school shootings in Washington, DC in 2000, a collective of educators and artists united to initiate a cultural shift away from violence.
Over the past 23 years, One Common Unity has impacted the lives of over 35,000 youth and their families.
Through in-school and after-school programs, nature retreats, and citywide campaigns, we have worked with 52 schools in the DC region, producing five albums by youth musicians and hosting 85 concerts and community arts showcases.
One Common Unity's innovative approach to community transformation has garnered recognition both locally and nationally.
We are proud recipients of awards such as the National Park Services award for “America’s Best Idea,” the Mayor’s Arts Award for Excellence in the Humanities, and the Bolder Life International Film Festival Audience Choice Award for our documentary, “Fly By Light.” Our inclusion in the Catalogue for Philanthropy further solidifies our status as one of the best charities in the Greater Washington region.
Our programs seamlessly blend art, music, and culture with social-emotional learning (SEL) activities, mental health services, and best practices of youth development.
By engaging with One Common Unity's programs, educators and school administrators can tap into a wealth of resources designed to meet the unique needs of DC's underserved youth.
One Common Unity offers flexibility in program delivery.
Our intensive year-round after-school program, featuring up to 140 hours of programming, guides students on a journey of self-discovery and community building.
Additionally, elements of the Fly By Light curriculum can be integrated into the school day, providing 8–40 hours of transformative learning.
Finally, our Peace Together program, funded by the Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants (OVSJG), aims to create safe spaces where young people can utilize their creativity and self-expression skills to heal from violent incidents.
Empowering students for success
Our flagship program, Fly By Light (FBL), has reached over 13,500 middle and high school students since 2011. Through a dynamic curriculum, FBL empowers at-risk students to express themselves creatively, achieve academic success, and become leaders in their communities.
With a focus on Artistic Expression, Health and Wellness, Environmental Leadership, Social Emotional Literacy, and Social Justice, FBL equips students with the tools they need to create transformative change.
Cultivating Restorative Justice
We believe in reshaping punitive disciplinary policies through our Intention Not Detention campaign. By introducing the Intention Room® in partner schools, we transform spaces for in-school suspension or detention into safe havens for reflection and healing. This innovative approach encourages dialogue and fosters a more compassionate school environment.
Supporting Mental Health
Our commitment to student well-being extends to mental health support.
In partnership with the Department of Behavioral Health and DCPS, our school-based mental health clinicians have provided therapy support services to over 200 students and their families.
Join Us in Building a Brighter Future
Together we have the power to shape a brighter future for DC's youth.
By integrating One Common Unity's programs into your classrooms, you're not just fostering
academic success — you're nurturing compassionate leaders who will transform their communities.