YMCA Of Columbia-Willamette Arts & Literacy Enhancement Program

Description

Art and literacy enrichment programs are a part of the after school schedule at 10 sites in North East and South East Portland; thanks in part to a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. Our Arts & Literacy Enhancement program provides 1 ½ hours of literacy programming and 2 hours of art programming per week.
Trained literacy staff will work with site staff and volunteers to develop and coordinate activities using the KidzLit model to help children develop a lifelong love for reading. Teaching artists from the Portland community provide artistic experiences in both visual and performing art.
Each site hosts two Family Literacy Nights every month. Family Nights include dinner and activities centered on art, literacy and family.
Our program has consistently raises attendance and reading scores for the entire school and not only provide a safe place for kids during before and Afterschool hours but also provides invaluable enrichment experiences that schools are unable to offer.