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, Belmont St. Community School, Cityview School, Seven Hills Charter School, the Nativity School, and the Worcester Art Museum the CDC is providing free after-school art classes for youth.

Weekly classes are held in the afternoons in five different neighborhood locations throughout the school year.  The classes offer children an opportunity to try a variety of art media as well as participate in several trips to the art museum.

The CDC received additional funding from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation through 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.