ArtsReach Initiative

For the past 2 years, through our ArtsReach Initiative, we have worked with Monroe County’s Department of Probations to provide our HipHop U and our Computer Graphics Camp Programs to youth housed in the Monroe County Children’s Center (MCCC).

A real life experience, HipHop U consists of hands on work sessions in which participants learn rhyme scheme development, lyric writing techniques, create a group "brand" for marketing purposes, and work with music and engineering professionals to utilize specific production technologies to record and produce a compact disk recording complete with their original lyrics and vocal styles.  Each participant exits the program with a copy of the compact disk featuring his or her group's creation.   Over the past six months, HipHop U has also been offered as an option for our youth (14 years of age or older) through our KidTech Program.  During this period 51 youth enrolled, 49 graduated (96%) and received their group’s compact disk, and 47 (98%) received a refurbished take-home computer. 

The Computer Graphics Camp, our newest program (started in February of 2008), focuses on providing participants with the opportunity to learn about computer graphics and desktop publishing.  Participants learn fundamental word processing and desktop & Web-based publishing skills, how to create and embed graphics in text, photo editing skills, journalistic styles, and how to save and print their works for review and ultimate publication.