Hired to Create.
Inspired to Succeed.
ArtWorks is a paid creative arts-based job training and college readiness after-school program for high school students, ages 14-18. Students are enrolled as paid apprentices to train under Master Teaching Artists, who mentor them in an art form while they learn skills transferable to any future workplace or college. A program of Arts for Learning WNY, ArtWorks is advancing the organization’s mission by inspiring young people and educators through new and meaningful creative arts experiences.
Interested in being a Youth Apprentice for Spring 2025?
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Spring 2025 application deadline EXTENDED to Wednesday, January 29th, at 5:00pm!
Get Paid to Create
ArtWorks Youth Apprentices:
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Create art
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Work independently and collaboratively to meet deadlines
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Discover hidden strengths
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Learn job readiness skills
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Participate in career exploration workshops
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Participate in college readiness workshops
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Learn from professionals in the community
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Perform and/or exhibit works of art
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Learn decision-making skills
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Practice public speaking
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Learn about financial wellness
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Build friendships with students from different schools
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Participate in performance reviews and feedback sessions
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Learn why the arts are important to a community’s identity and success
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Gain employment
The ArtWorks program will address the need for youth to develop skills in a real-world work environment, and builds core competencies that are needed in today’s economy. Apprentices will learn to become creative and innovative participants in the 21st Century’s competitive economy and gain important skills in problem solving, communication, leadership, responsibility, critical thinking, and collaboration. ArtWorks not only inspires students to succeed, but also ensures they have the skills to do so.
“During my time at Artworks, I learned the value of creativity and collaboration together in hand and began to understand how important it is to have a group of individuals sharing the same ideals and passion for art to work together with. My favorite part of this program was growing such amazing, fun, and productive friendships with these individuals fueled by things we are all collectively passionate about.
– Fabia Fiona Chowdhury, Spring'22 Apprentice
"High schoolers don’t have much to put on a resume yet. Nor do we have much experience in a realistic job setting. We can only dream of getting a job in the exact field we want to pursue. My time at ArtWorks gave me perfect opportunities to experience a job in complete correlation to my career goals. ArtWorks gave me skills to fill my future resume with."
– A'ishah Muhammad, Spring'24 Apprentice
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ArtWorks is made possible through the generosity of many supporters, including:
