The CDC is addressing the need for after-school programming to give neighborhood youth opportunities to engage in creative activities during the week.  In partnership with the Marie Anne Center, the Worcester Art Museum and Ritmos Dance Academy, the CDC has created free after-school art and dance classes for youth.

Beginning in February 2007, weekly two-hours classes were held on Tuesday afternoons at the Marie-Ann Center on Lincoln Street, for students in grades 4 through 7.  The classes offer children an opportunity to try a variety of art media as well as participate in several trips to the art museum.  A new program, which included dance workshops as well as art classes began in October 2007.  Another art program began this March.

The CDC is currently seeking funding to enable these programs to run continuously throughout the school year and to expand the offerings to an additional location.  The funding also would allow the CDC and the Marie Anne Center to offer a six-week summer program, combining sessions in the morning and afternoon for both younger and older youth.

Programming for the youth of the community is an integral part of the CDC's overall efforts to improve the quality of life for all those who live or work in the CDC's service area.