Formerly The Dick & Jane Project, WAV’s mission is to amplify to empower underrepresented voices through creativity . Founded as an after-school songwriting program by Columbus-based charter school administrator Ben Shinabery in 2011, WAV has since provided programming in over 30 Central Ohio schools, and 15 community programs serving between 250-350 individuals annually.

Professional local artists, who serve as group leaders, receive training from WAV staff, then lead students through a healing-centered creative process, that can involve anything from recording a radio quality song, to painting, to writing and performing poetry, to learning to sing, dance and perform 

WAV sessions focus on building self-esteem, character, and collaboration skills aligned to Social Emotional Learning strategies. Through interactive activities, small group discussions, meditation and mindfulness exercises and collaborative creativity, students get to know themselves and develop: respect for themselves and others; awareness of self and emotions; self-regulation skills; critical thinking and problem solving.