Art, advocacy, and knowledge for youth and families!
Join us in exploring your artistic talents through engaging activities that foster confidence and self-expression for all ages.
Our Exclusive Services
Above all, Cancel the Contract believes every child deserves the chance to thrive—creatively, academically, and emotionally. Through our youth art mentorships, we connect young people with experienced artists in order to spark their imagination, build confidence, and nurture self-expression. Our “Know Your Rights” workshop series, empowers parents to advocate for their children’s education rights with specialized lesson plans and individualized support. Together with the community, we work toward educational justice by creating inclusive, safe, and equitable learning environments where all students—especially those historically underserved— are valued and can truly flourish.
Student Advocacy
CTC works to hold individual school sites and districts accountable for their policies and practices that create school climates that are not equitable for all students.
Freedom Art Squad
We use creative arts—painting, poetry, and performance—as therapy, giving youth a space to express, heal, and turn feelings into freedom.
Community Events
CTC builds community by connecting people, meeting their needs, providing resources, and fostering a sense of belonging for the entire village.
Know Your Rights Education Workshops
CTC equips parents and caregivers with advocacy tools, skills, and strategies to confidently support their students and strengthen their community.
Creating Spaces for Unity and Engagement
Empowering Youth. Supporting Families. Advancing Education Justice.
Did You Know?
92% of Black students
At El Dorado Elementary School in the city of Lancaster, 92% of Black students were suspended at least once despite making up only 37% of student enrollment.
96% of LASD Citations
96% of Los Angeles Sheriff Department citations from School Resource Deputies went to non-white students, Over half went to Black students.
2 OUT OF 812
Notably, out of a documented 812 instances of student contact with a School Resource Deputy, in 810 cases, the student was issued a citation or arrested. In contrast, There were only 2 instances where the student was referred to a diversion program.
Suspension Rates
In Antelope Valley schools that have contracts for School Resource Deputies, the suspension rates of Black students significantly exceeded Los angeles county and statewide averages.
One voice can spark a movement, and together, we can create change.
Standing Up for Students
The Power of Advocacy: CTCAV ensures schools and districts uphold fair, equitable policies for all students.
- Equity & accountability in schools
- Ending discriminatory discipline of students based on disability status or race
- Ensuring schools meet their obligation to educate all its students regardless of race, sex, gender, or disability
- Advocating for fair school policies that follow all state and federal laws
Freedom Art Squad
Through our Freedom Art Squad sessions, students will learn the creative process from initial idea to masterpiece. Students are encouraged to reflect deeply, and plan to understand the importance of preparation, even in creative spaces. Nonetheless, the goal is to help people grow, connect with others, and enjoy being creative.
Community Events
Whether it’s a clothing closet, town hall, art show, or workshop, our community events create spaces where people can meet, share ideas, celebrate culture, and support one another. They are essential to building a sense of connection, belonging, and wellness with each other in community.
Know Your Rights Education Workshops
Moreover, through our interactive workshops, CTC teaches parents and caregivers the skills needed to effectively defend their student’s educational rights. Participants have access to a specialized curriculum where they not only learn the skills but are able to practice them real time to build the confidence needed to be an effective advocate for their student.
- Every student has the right to equal access to schools that are safe and well-resourced; furthermore, they deserve qualified teachers, appropriate instructional materials, and equitable treatment.
- Teaching parents the rights their students have under state and federal laws created to prevent discrimination and what to do when schools violate those laws.
Cancel the Contract is a partner with and for Community. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement for change.
10+
Years Of Experience
10K
Happy Community Members
2800+
Working Hours
3000+
Workshops
Equity Denied: Reclaiming Safety for all in The AV
In partnership with Catalyst California, we developed Equity Denied: Reclaiming Safety for all in The Antelope Valley.
All people in the Antelope Valley (AV) deserve safety. Residents should not only be free from harm but also live in conditions that create opportunities for youth and adults to thrive.
Youth in the AV should have schools that promote their academic, emotional, and social growth in an environment in which they feel safe. They should be able to interact with others and empowered to achieve their goals without fearing unfair treatment by educators or law enforcement.
Instead, this report finds that AV youth of color are often undereducated, suspended, expelled, arrested, and jailed due to racial bias by the Antelope Valley Union High School District (AVUHSD) and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). The LASD, for example, stops Black youth in the AV at a rate nearly seven times greater than their white counterparts. And, in 2019, a deputy body-slammed a Black girl at Lancaster High School and sat on her.
Trusted by Community
See what our participants have to say about their experiences — honest feedback from the people who matter most.
Great place for resources, we came out for their Art class. They gavecus a Free shirt that we were able to decorate with paint. It was so much fun with the niece’s. Something to do with your teen.
Crystal
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2 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Cancel the Contract AV has been a lifeline for me and my daughter during one of the most challenging times in our lives. When we discovered that a teacher in the Palmdale School District, who had been allowed to abuse children for nearly eight years, was harming my daughter, we felt lost and overwhelmed by the damage done to so many children. Cancel the Contract stepped in, helped initiate an investigation, and guided us every step of the way. They connected us with lawyers, provided crucial support, and empowered me to become a more informed parent, ensuring my family’s safety and helping us seek justice. Their dedication to holding the system accountable has made all the difference
Sylvia
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2 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We love partnering with Cancel the Contract to advance education justice. They are some of the fiercest advocates for young people and families, and we admire their persistence in dismantling the school-prison nexus.
Vivian
/
2 months ago
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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Frequent Questions
What are creative arts programs?
Creative arts programs provide opportunities for young adolescents to engage in various artistic activities, fostering creativity and self-expression. They are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for young adolescents, especially children.
Who can participate in these programs?
These programs are open to young adolescents, regardless of their background or experience in the arts. Specifically, we aim to create an inclusive environment that encourages participation from at risk teenagers.
Are there any costs associated with these programs?
There are no costs for our creative arts programs, in fact they are completely free of charge. We believe in making the arts accessible to all, especially for those who may not have the financial means to participate in such activities.
How do these programs help with personal growth?
Additionally, participating in creative arts programs enhances personal growth by building confidence, improving self-expression, and developing essential life skills. As a result, these experiences foster connections with others and promote a sense of community.
What types of activities are offered in these programs?
Our programs include a variety of activities such as painting, music, dance, theater, and writing. In particular, each activity is designed to inspire creativity and provide participants with the tools to express themselves artistically.