ArtWorks / Art Opportunities Inc

Since our start, Artworks has hired thousands of local youth, more than 50% from low-income households and more than 50% are racial/ethnic minorities. Artworks has employed thousands of professional artists to design transformative Art pieces and to mentor youth apprentices. Artworks' hero design company empowers children facing hardships, such as illness or grief, channel their inner strength. Youth apprentices create individualized artistic experiences for these children through connection, design, production and engagement. Artworks is one of five creative partners of blink, the nation's largest light festival, producing the community parade and curating the sculptural installations. In 2022, Artworks employed 130 youth apprentices. These apprentices represented 60 communities, 35 high schools and 12 colleges and universities. Fifty-nine percent live in low-income household, and they reflect the rich cultural diversity of our community: 48% white/caucasian, 23% black/african-american, 14% multi-racial, 6% hispanic or latino, 5% asian, 3% native american, 2% other. Artworks hired 27 teaching staff to mentor the youth apprentices to build their skills and confidence. Apprentices complete customized surveys before, during, and after the program. These measure social and emotional learning outcomes in six career-readiness areas: growth outlook (goal management and growth mindset); critical thinking and problem solving; communication; creativity and innovation; collaboration; social capital. Pre-program surveys showed 77% of 2022 apprentices in strong need of support in one or more area, with 29% in need of support in all five. Post-program surveys show 100% made meaningful gains in at least one area, 95% gaining in three or more areas. Apprentices grew most in creativity and innovation, with 89% showing post-program gains.