Extended illness can be deeply isolating for students, making it harder to feel connected to classmates, to learning, and to the simple joy of being part of a group. Through a collaboration with SDUSD’s Home/Hospital, and our arts partner, … Read More
Author: VAPA Foundation
VAPA Foundation invites the community to Applause for a Cause
This spring, the VAPA Foundation invites the community to Applause for a Cause, an evening that celebrates the power of arts education and the students whose lives are changed by it. Formerly known as Beyond Brilliance, the event carries a … Read More
Finding Their Voice Through the Arts
Students who struggle in traditional school settings can often feel alone or “less than.” When the VAPA Foundation first set out to roll out its Sparx Program for expressive arts, we worked with the San Diego Unified School District to … Read More
We are Proud to Introduce our New Name, Applause for a Cause
For years, our annual event was known as Beyond Brilliance, a celebration of the extraordinary talent of our students. As our work has grown, so has our vision.
We are proud to introduce our new name, Applause for a Cause… Read More
Newsletter spotlight article about Doreen and Phyllis Epstein – Beyond Brilliance Fundraiser Co-Chairs
San Diegans are notorious in their refusal to leave the house when it’s raining – but Phyllis Epstein is a notable exception. “It was pouring rain and two of my closest friends decided they were too fragile to come,” joked … Read More
The Hawk at Normal Heights Elementary Soars High Thanks to Arts Access
Walk the grounds of Normal Heights Elementary and you’ll be sure to notice its mascot – the hawk – at every turn. The campus wasn’t always full of vibrant art, in fact, years ago, a plain text sign was the … Read More
Lessons Learned from Success of Arts Access Miami
“They show up more on days they have music,” a powerful statement shared by Sammy Gonzales Zeira, on the impact of music education on students of his Arts Access Miami programs. The VAPA Foundation hosted Zeira, a guiding force for … Read More
SAVE THE DATE! Beyond Brilliance, Saturday May 10th, 2025
Saturday, May 10, 2025
5:30 pm VIP Reception
6:00 pm all welcome
UC San Diego, Epstein Family Amphitheatre
La Jolla, CA 92093
Directions to the Gilman Parking Structure:
9598 Gilman Dr, San Diego, CA, 92093
From La Jolla Village Dr. … Read More
Celebrating Creativity: Another year of VAPA Foundation Level Up Multi-Arts Camps in San Diego!
As we immerse ourselves in another vibrant summer, we are deeply grateful for the incredible journey we’ve embarked on with students across San Diego. This season, in collaboration with a number of partner local arts education organizations, we proudly present … Read More
Thank You for Supporting Arts Education!
We are thrilled to announce the incredible success of the VAPA Foundation’s Beyond Brilliance fundraiser! Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, we raised funds to enhance arts education in San Diego schools.

The evening was filled with inspiring … Read More
