Arts and Learning Conservatory: From Women's Shelters to 50 Schools Across Southern California

Deborah Wondercheck didn't start the Arts and Learning Conservatory(ALC) because she thought it was a good idea. She started it because she'd lived the alternative, and she knew exactly what kids lose when the arts get cut. Today, ALC serves roughly 3,700 students annually across nearly 50 schools in Southern California. Since 2004, more than 35,000 kids have encountered the arts through the organization for the first time. It started with 21 kids, a string ensemble, and a few cast members doubling as nuns. In this episode of the Charity Charge Show , Deborah walks through the personal story that led to Arts and Learning Conservatory , how the organization has grown from a garage operation to a facility with a 200-seat theater, and what advice she has for nonprofit leaders still figuring out the early stages.

You can listen to Arts and Learning Conservatory: From Women's Shelters to 50 Schools Across Southern California online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

Arts and Learning Conservatory: From Women's Shelters to 50 Schools Across Southern California is an episode from The Charity Charge Show by Charity Charge.

This episode is 21:14 long.

This episode was published on Apr 6, 2026.

Yes. Use the heart button on the episode page to add it to your favorite episodes list.

Yes. This page shows related episodes from The Charity Charge Show when more episodes are available from the podcast feed.