The Bridge Program is Heidi Duckler Dance’s career development initiative designed to create pathways for young people to explore, expand, and pursue opportunities in the arts. Focused on empowering youth through creative expression and professional development, the program supports participants in building confidence, community, and long-term artistic goals while equipping them with practical tools and skills that support future professional careers both within and beyond the arts.

The program especially supports youth who have experienced foster care, immigrant youth, and historically underserved communities by introducing participants to a wide range of artistic disciplines and connecting them with meaningful opportunities within the creative sector. Through workshops for high-school-aged youth, participants engage in hands-on artistic exploration, mentorship, and skill-building experiences that encourage self-expression, leadership, creative growth, communication, collaboration, and career readiness.

The program also includes the Dr. Kerry English Fellowship, which supports young adults pursuing arts-related goals through mentorship, professional guidance, and access to creative opportunities. By fostering artistic development and career readiness, the Bridge Program helps participants recognize their creative potential and build tangible pathways toward their futures in the arts and beyond.

Join Our Next Cohort: Spring/Summer 2026 Fellowship Applications Now Open!

The Dr. Kerry English Fellowship is a four-month career development program for young adults who have experienced the foster care system and are interested in pursuing pathways in the arts. The fellowship is designed to provide individualized mentorship, creative exploration, and professional development for emerging artists.

If accepted into the program, fellows are paired with a professional artist working in their field of interest. Fellows meet bi – weekly with their mentor throughout the duration of the program, receiving guidance, support, and opportunities to develop their artistic practice.

The fellowship is open to individuals looking to grow their creative talents, connect with other artists, develop and showcase their work, and build pathways into creative industries. Past fellows have worked across disciplines including film, music, fashion, dance, writing, animation, and visual art.

To learn more about the program experience, you can explore reflections from past participants, including 2022 fellow Chyenne Roan-Santini, who shared insights from her final showcase and fellowship journey.

For questions, please contact Programs & Engagement Director Jessica Emmanuel at jessica@heididuckler.org.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1
1

About Dr. English

Raised in Southern California, Dr. Kerry English was well-known in the medical community as both a teacher and a doctor. He was the medical director of the MLK Outpatient Center Foster Care Hub Clinic in Watts, director of the Child Development Division of the Pediatric Department of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, and director of the Pediatric Department of the King/Drew Medical Center, where he worked for over 40 years. He also taught at CDU, as well as his medical alma mater UCLA. In addition to his work, Dr. English served on the board of Drew Child Development Corporation,  El Nido Family Centers, and SHIELDS for Families.

Dr. English fostered a deep passion for the arts. He could often be found attending theater performances across Los Angeles. He was a board member for many arts organizations, including 24th Street Theatre, Cornerstone Theater, Secret City, and the Watts Towers Arts Center.

The Dr. Kerry English MLK Jr. Outpatient Center Creative Fellowship lies at the intersection of Dr. English’s dedication to the arts and to the wellbeing of individuals in the foster care system. The fellowship is currently funded by Dr. English’s widow, Olga Garray-English.

Fall 2024 Creative Fellows

Cathie Arteaga

Cathie Arteaga is a driven individual currently pursuing her studies at Los Angeles Trade Tech, majoring in Digital Media. Born in Los Angeles and raised across California, Cathie grew up in and out of the foster care system which instilled her with resilience that has propelled her through life’s challenges.

A natural creative, Cathie discovered her passion for content creation through TikTok, where she first started upcycling clothes and putting together videos. This initial spark ignited a fervent interest in the art of film.

After acquiring her high school diploma, Cathie delved into the non-profit sector, channeling her energy towards organizations dedicated to assisting low-income communities. Driven by her profound dedication to community wellbeing, Cathie has actively contributed to initiatives aimed at uplifting those in need.

With the help of The Young Musicians Foundation she has created a short film and is currently acting in another short film. Currently, Cathie is immersing herself in the world of arts, taking on roles in various roles as she continues to hone her craft.

Deeply rooted in her community, Cathie firmly believes in the transformative power of providing individuals with the necessary resources and opportunities for success. With her sights set on furthering her education in production and filmmaking, Cathie plans to transfer to USC’s esteemed film school, where she aims to expand her knowledge and skills to make a lasting impact in the world of cinema.

Michael Papias

Michael Papias is a Mexican-American photographer—based out of Los Angeles, CA. Having entered California’s foster care system at the age of 10, Michael’s projects focus on topics of (1) family, (2) addressing gaps in cultural knowledge, and (3) self-determination for all historically marginalized people.

Michael’s work is best described as taking place in the in-between space of social science research and a culturally resilient creative practice. Primarily working in analogue mediums over the past 13 years, his body of work has developed an intentional art practice that brings into focus the stories of invisible labor and oppressed identities—centering a “built by hand” practice.

Since graduating from the University of California, Berkeley in 2021—Michael has used his knowledge, in research and photography, to assist former foster youth and other historically marginalized artists across California develop their own creative careers.

Michael is an emerging historically marginalized artist who’s work has received national awards, publications, and fellowships.