Young Audiences of WNY awarded $85,000 Generator Z grant to present an arts-based job training & college readiness program

Generator Z announces over $2 million in grants in Western New York

Young Audiences of Western New York has been awarded a grant in the amount of $85,000 by the teen-led initiative Generator Z to make workforce development initiative “ArtWorks: Hired to Create. Inspired to Succeed.” into a year-round program.

Launched in 2020, Generator Z is an initiative to reimagine the future of after-school and is powered by Lakeshore Connections with support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. More than 1,000 “generators” from across Southeast Michigan and Western New York shared their after-school experience and insight online. After-school providers stepped up with ideas to turn that teen insight into action. Over 90 providers across both regions received $4 million to bring their ideas to life in the next year.

“ArtWorks: Hired to Create. Inspired to Succeed.” is a paid creative arts-based job training and college readiness after-school program for Western New York high school students, ages 14-18. Students will be enrolled as paid apprentices to train under master teaching artists, who will mentor them in an art form while teaching them skills transferable to any future workplace or college. The apprenticeship experience allows students to develop important skills in problem solving, communication, leadership, responsibility, critical thinking and collaboration with the ability to think and work creatively with others. During the school year, students will also visit local colleges to learn about admissions processes and participate in workshops that focus on financial habits, resume writing, financial aid applications, and interview skills. Teens will also give back to the community through the creation, exhibition and performance of original works of art at public venues.

Young Audiences of Western New York's mission is to inspire, expand learning and strengthen the community through engagement with the arts. They provide services in Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. It offers residencies, workshops and performances in educational, cultural and community centers. Young Audiences of Western New York was established in 1962 and will celebrate 60 years of service in 2022.