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The Colours creative arts program has entertained about 100,000 people during the past 18 years, says founder Jason Cook. But as the group looks to attract more students and raise awareness about scholarships, Cook has little time to reflect on past achievements.

"Our greatest performance is our next performance," said Cook, a Prince George's County educator. At the end of February, the group held two events at Northwestern High School to celebrate Black History Month and raise funds for the University of Maryland, College Park's Incentive Awards program.

Through the awards program, students in the county and Baltimore who have overcome adversity can receive scholarships to the University of Maryland, College Park. The County Council has provided funds to the program over the years, said Cook, and Maryland alumnus Barry Gossett donated $1 million to the Incentive Awards. However, many parents don't know about the program, Cook said.

"What we raise to support the awards is pennies in comparison to the gift that has been donated, but every little bit helps," he said.

Cook launched Colours in 1992 at Charles Carroll Middle School. He'd always wanted to operate an arts program for youth, and few programs were available at that time, particularly for middle-school students.

"I was always fairly athletic, and the arts and athletics helped to turn my life around," said Cook, who played basketball and baseball while growing up in Miami.

Participants created the organization's name to recognize the group's diversity, and they added the "u" for emphasis.

"We allow students to be themselves, we give them a place to connect and we provide structure and guidance," said Cook, who offers the program at Northwestern and Parkdale high schools.

Another major goal for Colours is to break through the "fourth wall" and draw the audience into the fun with education, enlightenment and entertainment.

"We bring the audience up on stage," said Cook, adding that students danced with Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) during a performance. The group also uses music everyone can enjoy to further break down barriers. Dismissing current music as angry and joyless, Cook prefers hits from the 1960s, '70s and '80s.

"Listening to Run-DMC teaches you about the history and culture of that time," Cook said. "Songs like ‘My Girl' will be around forever, and even kindergarteners enjoy the ‘Twist.' We pull them up and let them dance with us."

Cook hopes that the members of Colours soon will go from dancing with governors to one day performing at the White House. He also wants the students to take their talent around the world. No matter where the students perform, however, they'll strive to make a memorable impression.

"If the audience isn't moved when we leave, then we've failed," Cook said.

Jason Cook

How he makes a difference: Cook created the Colours arts education program, now in its 18th year. The program serves youth between sixth and 11th grades from all over the county. For information, go to www.colours.org. Get details on the Incentive Awards at www.umincentiveawards.umd.edu.