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t �,Y 1 'f �i August 12, 2019 To Whom it May Concern: For the past 19 years, Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) has been an integral member of the bourgeoning community of Santa Ana. The school's development into one of the nation's premier arts schools has paralleled Santa Ana's revitalization into a dynamic city invested in its 15 youth, enriching arts and culture, and neighborhood pride. 0 0 Each year, OCSA serves nearly 2,200 culturally diverse and artistically gifted students in grades 0 7-12 from more than 100 cities in Southern California. The population is reflective of our service _, area in that 47% are Caucasian and 53% are from ethnic minority groups. Approximately 14% of 0 students are residents of Santa Ana and 10% receive Free and Federal Reduced Lunch () assistance. While many students commute, many families relocate to the area to enroll their children in the school. OCSA employs over 500 academic teachers, professional arts instructors, administrative staff, support staff, and guest artists. ® OCSA students thrive in our uniquely challenging and nurturing environment, and receive a 0 rigorous academic program coupled with advanced arts training that prepares them to become successful artists, leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Students declare a focus in one of 15 arts Q) conservatories within the Schools of Applied Arts, Dance, Fine & Media Arts, Music, and Theatre. CY OCSA has a 100% graduation rate and students are actively recruited by the nation's top universities and arts conservatory programs. The school also serves the local community through its summer and weekend arts academy, arts and music programs for SAUSD elementary students, and by presenting free artistic performances and programs throughout the county. In order to further our impact, OCSA has identified the historic YMCA building as the ideal location for expansion. With respect to the YMCA's original intent to be of service to the community, OCSA intends to convert the iconic structure into a thriving hub for arts, connection and community. The new, state-of-the-art OCSA Design and Art Center will provide an opportunity for OCSA to enroll an additional 300 students annually, expand its arts conservatory programs to fit the changing economic landscape, offer enriched community programs for local residents, and bring additional jobs to Santa Ana. Resources will include multiple classrooms, an exhibition space for local artists, a motion -capture space, a prototype shop, a living space for artists -in -residence, dance studios, and more. The school has also initiated plans to partner with Santa Ana nonprofits The Wooden Floor and Relampago del Cielo to expand programs for underserved youth. Since our initial RFP submission last year, OCSA has also embarked on an exciting partnership with GameChanger Charity and ZOTT — a venture that leverages technology and innovation to provide cutting -edge opportunities for students at OCSA and throughout the community. With partners such as Amazon Web Services, OCSA will utilize platforms such as Twitch to stream performances and masterclasses with industry leaders to a broader community. In addition, we will develop customized curriculum and programming relevant to the constantly evolving landscape of technology. These experiences will engage renown companies with OCSA, Santa Ana, and the next generation of creators and innovators. (Please see additional information enclosed.) It was also brought to our attention that there continues to be misinformation circulating regarding parking. OCSA absolutely does have sufficient parking to accommodate campus expansion with the acquisition of the YMCA. OCSA maintains an easement for parking in the structure adjacent to the YMCA Monday through Friday from 6:00 PM to 11:59 PM and on 60A-15