Community Art Center

School age child care program (sacc): youth ages 5-12 participate in the program where they become creative problem solvers through hands on curriculum. Sacc uses an arts-based approach to address the difficulties our youth face brought on by trauma, special needs, poverty, immigration, racism, and a lack of access to key resources. Each activity the students are involved with allows them time for self-exploration through the arts and the ability to work towards leadership roles. Youth are inspired artistically in classes in disciplines including visual arts, dance, theater, and media arts. Jr. Leadership groups and intermediate level Art classes prepare pre-teens for success in high school and beyond. Program activities sequence to a final interdisciplinary performance at the end of the school year and an outdoor Community event. Sacc students are invited to participate all but 14 week days of the year. Cac is open 10 hours a day during school vacation and summer. This comprehensive approach to integrating arts and social services allows youth to learn, grow and achieve their full potential.

Teen public Art: Community members of all ages participate in cac's year-round Community programs. The Community programs use arts-based activities to connect divided spaces and a divided Community and grow the level of civic engagement of cambridge's most isolated residents. All Community programs either provide a platform for the stories and artwork of our youth, are organized by our youth, and/or work to strengthen the communities and families our youth are a part of. Community programs include year-round arts events and create spaces for Community members to come together, explore, learn and celebrate.

Teen media program (tmp): youth ages 13-19 enter the tmp and become creative technology users by participating in media arts and literacy activities. Tmp offers a sequenced multi-year curriculum that uses artistic expression to develop new technology and creativity allowing participants to develop new skills. Tmp teaches youth to be digital creators rather than consumers. Artistic growth is fostered through facilitating the creation, presentation and critique of media Art works and through teaching technology skills. Personal development is rooted in celebrating the inherent strengths of teens while filling gaps in their experience and knowledge.