What Does Unordinary Programming Look Like

AZIZA PE&CE (AP) is on a mission to renew the health and well-being of Black girls and LGBTQ+ youth and their communities by instilling Black history & culture, self-love, and solidarity into their souls. Through our work, we create spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and empowered to define their own futures. We understand that true transformation requires more than surface-level support—it demands intentional, trauma-informed, culturally responsive programming that disrupts cycles of inequity and fosters long-term impact.

At AZIZA PE&CE, we don’t do “business as usual.” We recognize that traditional systems have too often failed the very youth we serve—young people who are resilient, creative, and full of potential but are routinely denied the opportunities and support they need to thrive. That’s why we are committed to unordinary programming—approaches that challenge the status quo, embrace innovation, and center the real needs of historically underserved youth in Baltimore and beyond.

What Does Unordinary Programming Look Like?

Unordinary programming means meeting young people where they are, not where the world expects them to be. It means understanding that healing and growth don’t always happen in a classroom, a therapy office, or a standardized setting. It’s about creating safe, affirming spaces where youth feel empowered to express themselves, explore their passions, and rewrite the narratives that society has placed upon them.

It looks like:

  • Creative and Performing Arts as Healing – Not every young person heals through words alone. Some process their experiences through music, movement, painting, poetry, or theater. That’s why our programming integrates the arts as a pathway to self-discovery, emotional regulation, and confidence-building.

  • Leadership Beyond the Traditional Lens – Leadership isn’t just about academics or titles. It’s about giving youth the tools to advocate for themselves, take ownership of their futures, and lead change within their communities. Our programs nurture leadership through mentorship, entrepreneurship, and real-world skill-building.

  • Mental Wellness Without Stigma – Mental health care must be accessible, culturally responsive, and embedded into everyday experiences. We normalize conversations about healing, create peer-driven support networks, and connect youth with therapists who understand their lived realities.

  • Economic and Social Empowerment – We know that poverty and systemic barriers don’t disappear with good intentions. That’s why we equip youth with tangible tools—financial literacy, workforce training, and pathways to economic mobility—ensuring that success isn’t just a dream, but a reality within reach.

Extraordinary Results: The Proof is in the Transformation

When we take an unordinary approach, the results speak for themselves. We’ve seen young people who were once disengaged and discouraged step into leadership roles, advocate for social change, and inspire others through their art, activism, and resilience. We’ve watched youth who struggled with self-worth find their voices on stage, in professional spaces, and in their communities. We’ve helped families access resources that changed the trajectory of their futures.

Extraordinary results don’t come from doing what’s always been done. They come from reimagining what’s possible. From investing in creativity, equity, and innovation. From daring to believe that every young person, no matter their circumstances, deserves the opportunity to rise.

At AZIZA PE&CE, we are not here to maintain the status quo. We are here to transform it. And we invite you to join us—because together, we can create a future where unordinary programming continues to lead to extraordinary outcomes.

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Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Among Black and Hispanic LGBTQ+ Youth