
Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation - Jen Schoener - Episode 209
Episode 209 features Jen Schoener of the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation.Jen shared that UDAEF is a 25-year-old nonprofit organization that brings inclusive arts and education experiences to young people and the community, currently serving over 1,000 children through summer programs and nearly 25,000 audience members through Upper Darby Summer Stage. She discussed how the organization evolved during COVID-19, adopted programs like the Shaner Music Man Academy and Upper Darby Summer Stage, and received significant ARPA funding to build "The Spark" - a new facility opening July 6th at 1550 Garrett Road that will offer year-round programming and include a technology lab, recording studio, and black box theater. Jen spoke about the foundation's mission was inspired by her late husband Brad Schoener, a former Upper Darby School District teacher who wanted to provide music education access to students who couldn't afford instruments. The interview covered UDAEF's various programs including Music Man Academy camps, the Butterfly Buddy program for children with disabilities, and the new AMP camp focusing on music production technology. Jen emphasized the organization's challenge of marketing their programs effectively beyond Upper Darby, noting they recently hired a new marketing team to help spread awareness about their offerings to the broader Delaware County community.www.UDFoundation.org - InstagramHonorable Mentions:Upper Darby Summer StageH MartArtillery BrewingStation TapPat's PizzaIchiban BuffetSparcTaff TreatsWawaHoliday Inn Drexel HillLittle Horse TavernKeep Music AliveBarry HarrisRich Shane



