The CDC is addressing the need for after-school programming to give neighborhood youth opportunities to engage in creative activities during the week.  In partnership with the Marie Anne Center and the Worcester Art Museum the CDC has created free after-school art classes for youth.

Since February 2007, weekly classes have been held in the afternoons at the Marie-Ann Center on Lincoln Street, for students in grades 4 through 7.  The classes offer children an opportunity to try a variety of art media as well as participate in several trips to the art museum.  A new program with Ritmos Dance Academy, which included dance workshops as well as art classes was held in October 2007.

The CDC received additional funding from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation thyrough their Youth for Community Improvement initiative that enabled these programs to run continuously throughout the school year and to expand the offerings to the Belmont Community School.  The funding also allowed the CDC and the Marie Anne Center to offer a six-week summer program, combining sessions in the morning and afternoon for both younger and older youth.

Programming for the youth of the community is an integral part of the CDC's overall efforts to improve the quality of life for all those who live or work in the CDC's service area.  We are continuing to seek new funding sources in order to provide greater opportunities for youth in the area.