Energy, Inc. founder asks Mobile County commissioners for $30,000 to fund youth dance mentorship program

Tyra Jackson Aikaswa, founder and executive director of Energy, Inc., asked the Mobile County Commission during public comment for a $30,000 contribution to support the organization’s Energy Dance Experience summer intensive and ongoing youth mentorship program.

Jackson Aikaswa told commissioners her nonprofit, founded in 2009, provides workforce-readiness training in dance and wellness to students from public and private schools and underserved communities. “Today, I am asking for your partnership and raising $30,000 for the Energy Dance Experience and our ongoing mentorship program,” she said, adding the funds would cover scholarship aid, housing, meals, faculty support, mentorship and performance opportunities.

The request drew immediate praise from commissioners. One commissioner congratulated Jackson Aikaswa and asked her to provide additional information and flyers for the commission to review. Jackson Aikaswa said materials and contact information were available and thanked the commissioners for their time.

The presentation noted partnerships with Spring Hill College, the Alabama State Council on the Arts and local sponsors; Jackson Aikaswa described the initiative as a pathway to careers in the arts for young people who otherwise must leave Mobile for professional training.

No formal funding vote was taken at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to collect additional information about the program for future consideration. The commission recessed for an indigent care board meeting and later moved to an executive session.