You asked, we answered! Follow Your Art has been piloting a program this summer for middle school students to learn basic job and communication skills, gain some responsibility in those transition years between summer camp and employment, while still having some creative fun!
Participants who are rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders spend a week at Follow Your Art under the guidance of an experienced High School mentor. They have an opportunity to interact with younger kids in Follow Your Art’s summer programming, as well as to create samples and projects for the Studio Art classes and set pieces for the Imagination Stage theater program.
“This program strikes a balance between teaching skills that will help them in future employment and giving them the time and space for their own creative exploration,” said Create Your Opportunity Coordinator Nicole Morse. “The reception to this program has been excellent, and we’re glad to be helping fill this need in the community.”
The “In the Middle” program was introduced in response to community feedback on the need for more safe, enriching opportunities for middle school aged youth.
“Through the Create Your Opportunity program, supported in part by a YouthReach grant from the Mass Cultural Council, Follow Your Art mentors and employs high school aged youth, helping them learn communication and work skills that will serve them later in life.
“Expanding the CYO program to include middle school students was a natural extension of our approach to creative youth development. We hope to continue to provide these opportunities to kids who are “in the middle!” said Morse.
To be notified about future programming, volunteer or employment opportunities for middle school and high school youth, please contact cyo@fyamelrose.org.