20th Anniversary
Learning for Life
RTKids was founded by Rosie O’Donnell and Lori Klinger in April 2003 to provide quality instruction in music and dance at no cost to New York City public school students. In the two decades since, RTKids has blossomed into much more than just a youth arts program. The dedication and inspiration of our expert staff and generosity of our guest teaching artists and mentors have yielded truly remarkable results.
MEET OUR ALUMNI
Investing in the Future
With 20 years of experience now behind us, RTKids is focused on the future, which will include an even deeper investment in the academic and professional needs and ambitions of our students and alumni.
RTKids in Action
“It’s great to be a part of a nonprofit arts organization in NYC that’s getting it right. So much is invested directly into these kids—they glow and you can see it. It’s quite a magical place.”
– Chesney Snow, Mentor
“I learned how to communicate effectively and respectively. It’s not just about voice lessons and tap; it’s about fostering and cultivating a generation of human beings not just artists.”
– Lauren, Alumni, Class of 2015