For nearly 60 years, Young Audiences of Western New York has learned the most effective methods of bringing creative learning to young people. We have noticed that preparing youth for success in tomorrow’s workforce is of increasing concern to local policy makers, educators, and business leaders. It is documented and publicized that the City of Buffalo is facing a community-wide educational crisis. Graduation rates for the Buffalo Public Schools was 63% in 2017. Nearly 39% of students entering 9th grade dropout and only 27% of 16-19-year old’s residing in Buffalo are employed. Research shows that poverty, insufficient education, and unsupervised time out-of-school lead to risky behavior.
In response to this, Young Audiences developed ArtWorks: Hired to Create. Inspired to Succeed., a year-round youth development initiative that addresses challenges and barriers to job connectivity, economic self-sufficiency, and access to resources for the most vulnerable populations in the City of Buffalo. Working with a Master Teaching Artist, we hire apprentices to produce high-quality art and gain valuable experiences transferable to any future career. Through this paid apprenticeship, teens learn to become creative and innovative participants in the 21st Century’s competitive and economy.
Support from you will directly support the implementation of ArtWorks and the teens going through this program. ArtWorks improves the matches between education, training, and jobs while providing a safe environment during summer and after-school hours for youth living in the highest poverty areas.
Every child deserves to participate in our programming and be immersed in opportunities to imagine, create, and realize their full potential through the arts. You will directly impact the lives of the next generation and we cannot do it without you!