GlassRoots

Glassroots peters valley fellowship program targets young adults, ages 18-26, from newark and nearby under-resourced communities, who are interested in the arts. The program is an intensive 13-week foundational introduction to multimedia arts. Also included are life skills development. The program takes place at Glassroots in newark and at our partner organization peters valley school of craft in layton, nj. The overall objective of the program is to achieve creative arts skills, life skills and college/career readiness such that within six months of completion of the program, the participants are enrolled in college or engaged in meaningful employment. The students who completed this program this year have enrolled in college, are pursuing careers as artists, are employed in arts or other professions, or a combination of art, education and work.

School programsglassroots provides arts education for schools both at Glassroots and in the schools. School groups come to Glassroots for hands-on steam (science technology engineering arts math) experiences as part of field trips or multi-week programs. Curriculum includes art, chemistry, physics and materials science. Glass art also teaches teamwork, creativity, critical thinking and resilience in the unique environment of a glass studio. Additionally, we send artists to schools to teach in multi-week residencies during and after school. Glassroots also supports teachers through professional development workshops. With grant support, we also send a glassblowing studio to the schools where students can experience science in action.

Youth entrepreneurial spirit (yes) is an afterschool program for high school students, free for all students from newark. Yes teaches the skills of glass art making with business skills. Students who engage in yes learn how to put together a business plan, public presentation skills, while also learning durable skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, resilience and empathy. For many of the students, this was the primary exposure to the arts. According to evaluation, students find yes encourages creativity and self-expression in a uniquely supportive environment.