The YMCA After School Arts Program

Since 1999, the Arts Branch of the YMCA has provided important opportunities in the arts to students in some of Syracuse’s most disadvantaged schools. Currently, the Arts Branch provides lessons and instruction to nearly 400 Syracuse City School District children each week. Programs include...

The YMCA After School Arts Program at Elmwood Elementary School: Since the 1999-2000 school year, the YMCA After School Arts Program at Elmwood Elementary School has provided instruction to children in dance, choir, visual arts, violin and storytelling. The program is free to all students. The goals of the program are to provide high-quality arts instruction, to provide a safe and educational after school program, to improve school attendance, and to improve student academic performance. Each semester, approximately 130 students enroll in the program.

The Van Duyn Achievers' Club: The Arts Branch has offered a multidisciplinary after school tutorial and enrichment program at Van Duyn Elementary since 2003, originally through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. The program serves children in grades 1-5; activities include choir, dance, visual arts, crafts, bell choir, keyboard lessons, violin lessons, percussion ensemble and more.

The BOOST Program at Delaware Elementary School: The Arts Branch also provides programming in the literary, performing and visual arts at students in Delaware Elementary’s BOOST program, serving over 100 children in grades K-5. The program is funded and managed by Syracuse University.

Our Supporters: Our work in the Syracuse schools has been recognized by Senator John A. DeFrancisco, the NYS Office of Children and Family Services, The New York State Music Fund, the Triad Foundation, the Gifford Foundation, JCPenney, The Park Foundation, The Central New York Community Foundation, ChoiceOne, Target, Citigroup Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Assistance from individual donors is also vital to the children we serve... click here to help!