The organization developed after founder Adrienne Diercks pilot-tested a motivational workshop for 200 students in Minneapolis' North Community High School in 1994. The workshop, co-sponsored by the Guthrie Theater (founding theater partner) and Perpich Center for Arts Education, used themes and issues raised in a Guthrie production of Death of a Salesman. This powerful show, attended by the students and many of their teachers and families, proved to be a relevant medium for students to reflect on motivation, dreams, and choices that related to their lives and future development.
After experiencing success at North High (founding school partner), leaders of the program secured support for continuing services to the school. Acknowledging the value of continuity and reinforcement in young people's lives, the program developed a partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools' Franklin Middle School, which sends most of its students on to North. Working with related middle and high schools has allowed young people to become involved with Project SUCCESS earlier and continue through high school.
During 1993-1996, partnerships and donated tickets from Twin Cities' theater companies increased, which permitted more students to attend diverse performances at a range of locations. The number of participating students in both schools grew to a total of 2,000. This growth was possible because of the enthusiasm and support for Project SUCCESS by the students, their parents, teachers, and administrators, including the Superintendent and other leaders of Minneapolis Public Schools.
Project SUCCESS was incorporated in 1994 as a 501(c) (3) organization. The commitment of theater partners, such as the Guthrie, and support of funders, such as Lifetouch Inc., remains critical to the continuing development of Project SUCCESS.
Project SUCCESS now serves 16 Minneapolis and Saint Paul schools and over 11,000 students.
