Mailing address: 620 Park Ave #241, Rochester, NY 585-204-2140 Help finding a program
Student Arts
Foundation
Find Opportunities Donate

Home / About SAF

About SAF

Access to the arts shouldn't depend on income or zip code.

Student Arts Foundation is a Rochester-based nonprofit expanding equitable access to arts experiences and creative opportunities for young people, especially youth from under-resourced communities.

Our mission
Student Arts Foundation advances equity in the arts by empowering youth from under-resourced communities with opportunities, resources, and mentorship that foster creativity, cultural engagement, and professional growth.

Our vision

A Rochester community where every young person can discover, access, and pursue meaningful arts opportunities, regardless of their family's financial circumstances or familiarity with local cultural resources.

Our story

Rooted in Rochester's arts and education community.

SAF's founders and executive committee members are alumni of Rochester's School of the Arts (SOTA). They know firsthand the role arts education can play in a young person's life, and they also know that many young people never get the chance.

In 2014, SAF hosted its first Arts Day, bringing students together with local artists and arts organizations for a day of hands-on creative experiences. Arts Day has since taken place at the School of the Arts, School Without Walls, and the Memorial Art Gallery, with a pause during the pandemic. Each year, 100 to 150 young people take part.

From that foundation, SAF has grown into a connector across Rochester's arts ecosystem, developing programs for financial assistance, community connections, and longer-term educational and career pathways.

The history of Arts Day
A young artist shaping clay at Arts Day 2026
Why it matters

Rochester is rich in the arts. Getting in isn't always easy.

Rochester's young people are full of talent and ideas. A strong arts community doesn't automatically mean every young person can take part in it. These are the gaps SAF works to close.

Cost

Financial barriers

Classes, camps, workshops, performances, and supplies can be costly, even when a child is eager to join.

Subsidies & scholarships

Distance

Transportation

Reliable transportation to venues and programs outside a family's neighborhood isn't always available.

Experiences in schools & community settings

Information

Knowing what exists

Families may not know what's out there, how to register, which programs fit, or what help is available.

The resource directory

Connection

Disconnected systems

Schools, families, artists, and organizations often work separately, which makes the step from interest to participation harder.

Partnerships & convening

Exposure

Seeing what's possible

Some youth have fewer chances to visit cultural institutions, meet working artists, or see creative careers as real options.

Arts Day & mentorship

Pathways

Room to grow

Advanced training, college study, mentorship, and internships can take extra support to reach.

Scholarships & Rising Creatives

How SAF works

We connect people to what already exists, and help them get there.

SAF is not primarily a traditional arts school. We help young people and families navigate Rochester's broader arts ecosystem.

See how our programs fit together

Connector

Bringing families, students, schools, arts organizations, and artists together.

Access advocate

Helping address the financial and informational barriers to participation.

Experience creator

Organizing events like Arts Day that introduce youth to many art forms.

Resource navigator

Helping families find relevant programs, opportunities, and potential support.

Opportunity builder

Linking creative interests to mentorship, education, internships, and careers.

Community partner

Helping organizations and educators collaborate around youth access, including community conversations on arts education.

Impact

What we've built since 2014.

2014

First Arts Day

400+

Students served since SAF began

100–150

Young people at Arts Day each year

3

Host venues: SOTA, School Without Walls, and MAG

Leadership

Meet the people leading SAF.

SAF's founders and executive committee are alumni of Rochester's School of the Arts, with a personal connection to arts education and to the Rochester community.

Jerris Wade

Jerris Wade

President

Jerris Wade leads the creative direction of the Student Arts Foundation. With extensive experience as an artist, Jerris has a deep understanding of the creative process and the needs of young artists. He has built strong networks within the community, leveraging these connections to support the foundation’s mission of providing resources and opportunities to underserved youth. His background in the arts and community building plays a crucial role in shaping the programs and initiatives of the organization.

Kory Samuels

Kory Samuels

Chief Financial Officer

Kory Samuels brings his expertise in managing multi-million dollar budgets and projects to his role as CFO. In his current position as the Associate Vice President of Auxiliary Services at Rochester Institute of Technology, Kory has demonstrated exceptional skills in financial management and strategic planning. His experience ensures that the Student Arts Foundation operates efficiently and sustainably, maximizing the impact of its resources on the community it serves.

Stephanie Bancroft

Stephanie Bancroft

Vice President of Strategic Development

Stephanie Bancroft is an experienced art appraiser and a well-connected figure in the arts community. As VP of Strategic Development, she is responsible for managing relationships with partner organizations and expanding the foundation’s work and offerings. Stephanie’s role involves strategic planning and collaboration, ensuring that the foundation’s programs are enriched through partnerships and community engagement.

Bernice Torbit

Bernice Torbit

Vice President of Community Engagement for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Bernice Torbit oversees the foundation’s efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion. With a background in human resources, Bernice has significant experience in recruitment and organizational development for DEI. Her role focuses on fostering an inclusive environment within the foundation and its programs, ensuring that all youth, regardless of their background, have access to the resources and opportunities offered by the Student Arts Foundation.

For funders and grantmakers

Looking for organizational information, program descriptions, or impact details? Our Support page brings it together, or contact us directly.

Funder information Contact us
Partners

Working alongside arts organizations across the region.

Become a partner

Stay in the loop

Arts Day dates, new opportunities, and application openings.

Sign up for the newsletter

Opens our sign-up form. We'll only email you about SAF news and opportunities.