PROGRAM OVERVIEW
To achieve impact, we use two core program modalities; Youth Studio and Arts on the Outs.
YOUTH STUDIO
LIFE-SKILLS and FINE ART EDUCATION PROGRAM for INCARCERATED YOUTH
Harnessing the power of creativity to transform the lives of justice-involved youth through arts education, individualized case management, employment, and a deep belief in their ability to succeed
ARTS ON THE OUTS
REENTRY PROGRAM for INCARCERATED YOUTH
Harnessing the power of creativity to transform the lives of justice-involved youth through arts education, individualized case management, employment, and a deep belief in their ability to succeed.
Youth Studio – PROGRAM SUMMARY
Youth Studio engages incarcerated youth in fine art as a vehicle for them to build upon life-skills they need to reduce their risk of recidivism. Each 90-minute session begins with an introduction to a life-skill that explicitly builds upon the most common criminogenic factors that lead to repeat offenses (anti-social thinking, temperament, and associates) as well as the important non-cognitive skills like communication, decision-making, and empathy needed to be successful. The youth then engage in a corresponding fine art-project taught by community-based Teaching Artists who serve as strong role models and informal mentors. By introducing art materials, techniques, and the creative process in a formal large group setting, youth are exposed to positive methods for expression and communication and are inspired to discover their best-selves and yearn for a positive future.
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Arts on The Outs – PILOT PROGRAM SUMMARY
Arts on the Outs is a 9-month pilot reentry program where youth released from juvenile institutions will have the opportunity to receive continued arts education, individualized life skill building with a case manager, and arts employment. Additionally, a dedicated Teaching Artist will support the youth to produce meaningful artwork focused on empowering messages of hope. The commissioned art will then be exhibited publicly to inspire the broader community to think and act positively, thus causing a ripple effect throughout the community. The project will also yield portfolios for the youth to obtain a scholarship through one of our partnering art colleges.
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PROGRAM GOALS & OUTCOMES
80% of youth will report that they have hope for their futures
80% of youth will report an increase of life-skills (communication, pro-social behavior, empathy)
80% of youth will report that they learned something new about themselves
80% of youth will demonstrate an increased understanding of positive forms of collaboration and constructive communication through skill building in the arts
Staff at all partnering juvenile detention centers will report decreased the level of tension in the facility
100% of youth will be matched with a community based teaching artist, receive job readiness training, life skill development, and immediate income through the creation of their artwork (up to $1,000; 100 hours)
100% of youth will complete an individualized case plan focusing on areas of education, health and behavior
70% of youth will not return to juvenile hall and/or complete probation during the program period