Children's Art Centre

 

Our Children's Art Centre is continuing to provide high-quality art programming for youth around the South End. The Teen Arts in the South End program is continuing its success, offering free art engagement classes for youth ages 12-15.  

 

Our building is getting a facelift! Be on the lookout as we are building a new red brick wall outside our Rutland Street building. The current wall has been there for almost 100 years, and we hope this new wall will protect our buildings for another 100.

 

Helen Schroeder of the Children's Art Centre was honored on April 13 with an award for her work around physical environment by the Boston Alliance for Early Education and the Boston Alliance for the Education of Young Children at their 11th annual Early Educators Award Gala. Congratulations, Helen! 

 

After School Program

 

The school year has been filled with field trips, performances around Boston, and other out-of-school time activities. Artwork from the youth is making its way through the community, with Group 3 being featured at Boston Center for the Arts' Community Windows and Group 4 having some of their artwork displayed at the Fresh Eyes exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts.    

 

Camp Hale

 

Gearing up for the 112th season up at Squam Lake, Camp Hale is continuing the rich tradition of bringing youth outside
the city limits. This year, we are continuing the successful Rookie Camp and Father/Mentor Son weekend, as well as offering an all girls session for the first time in Camp Hale history. Registration is open now, so visit our website for more information!

 

Early Childhood Education  

 

Classes are in full swing this spring season. Jumpstart is continuing their amazing volunteer work in both our Sunshine and Dolphin classrooms, working with the children to enhance the Language and Literacy parts of our curriculum. We are also fortunate to have five new Northeastern Service Learners from a Child Intervention & Treatment class this spring, working with our youngest in the Infant and Toddler Room. With all these volunteers, our staff are able to provide even better care to the young children in our neighborhood. 

 

Adult Basic Education

 

This fiscal year, we have helped 24 graduates receive their GED, and we continue to be on pace for a record number of GED graduates this year.

 

Technology Education

 

The Online Learning Readiness program, made possible by a grant to the City of Boston and the Timothy Smith Network from the Department of Commerce, celebrated the largest number of graduates and students across all program locations during the last cycle. Classes continue as we help our neighbors take the next step forward in their careers. Additionally, the Computer Training for Employment class continues to thrive, with amazing graduates poised for the 21st century workplace.

 

Transition to College

 

For those who have earned their GED or completed their high school diploma, USES is helping them to continue with post-secondary education. Spending 20 hours a week with USES staff, these participants are learning the specific skills and abilities needed in order to successfully enroll in college by the end of the term. In its second year of programming here at USES, we have 23 students enrolled and taking the leap towards economic self-sufficiency.    

 

The over 20 participants in our Platinum Singers program continue to touch the hearts of our neighbors with their beautiful voices. On March 29, USES hosted an inter-generational concert, "In the Mix", hosting 60 youth from the Lake Highland Academy Singers. After performances by both groups, they joined together in harmony to sing a group song for an audience of 200 people.