The Mission:
To provide high quality arts education to culturally and economically diverse families of the region, enabling participants to explore creativity, learn artistic technique, build self-esteem, and develop academic, cognitive, and problem solving skills.

Program Participants:
Approximately 900 students participate annually.  The majority are from families residing in the inner city.  40% are male and 60% are female.  60% are Hispanic, 10% are African-American, and 20% are Caucasian.  10% are from a wide variety of other ethnic backgrounds.  65% of the total enrollment are on a full scholarship.

Classes:
Photography, clay sculpture, pottery wheel, metal sculpture, computer graphics, woodworking, boat building, chess, cooking, videography, ethnic dance, peer mediation and Youth & Government.

Support Services:
Group discussion on a variety of adolescent issues such as conflict resolution, peer relationships, responsibilities, impact on feedback (both positive and negative), homework assistance, YMCA health & fitness and round-trip transportation.

Capital Campaign:
July 2001, the Regional YMCA purchased a 9,000 square foot facility (Feinson's) to create a home for the Center for the Arts & Humanities.  The new facility will allow us to serve nearly 2000 students each year. The center will be fully compliant with all ADA requirements. Our Goal - is to raise $1.8 million for the project.   To date, we have raised $1,160,010, leaving a balance of $704,130. Please consider Contributing to ESCAPE to help realize and sustain this community project.