El Arco Iris
El Arco Iris is an after school program sponsored by Nueva Esperanza in Holyoke, Massachusetts. The organization encourages the youth of Holyoke to explore there creativity via after school programs such as photography courses and tutoring. The mission of El Arco Iris is to utilize the arts and other activities to enhance the development of young people, increase their appreciation of arts and culture and to engage youth in improving their community.
El Arco Iris operates from 3:00 - 7:30 during the school year and from 10:00 - 3:00 during the summer months. The program serves youth ages nine to nineteen and is free of charge. There are five general program areas:
Arts and cultural appreciation which includes art, ceramics, poetry, photography, dance, martial arts, and computer graphics classes. There are also cultural field trips and public exhibits of the youths art and performances.
Youth leadership and empowerment which offers the youth trainings in team building, communication skills, empowerment and leadership, planning events, presenting in public, teen dating/pregnancy prevention, violence, HIV/AIDS, and how to be a role model. The youth also help to evaluate and plan the program and assist with program events.
A Community Service Learning project that teaches young people about neighborhood planning and citizenship and involves its participants in using the arts to improve their community. The youth design and do projects which improve the physical environment and improve the quality of life of neighborhoods.
Tutoring and homework assistance to revive the participants enthusiasm towards learning and support their success in school. The program also offers college/career workshops for the youth to develop plans for going on to college or a career. Comprised of outgoing, enthusiastic, and inspiring individuals, the El Arco Iris Tutoring Program is committed to fostering and enriching the talents, skills, and attitudes of Holyoke youth so that they may better impact their communities. Working closely with José Colon, the director of the El Arco Iris Youth and Community Arts Center, students travel twice a week to Holyoke MA, an urban, working-class, and predominately Puerto Rican community, where they both mentor and interact with children ranging from 5-17 years of age. Amherst tutors often leave program having built strong relationships with the children and finding their experiences both rewarding and fulfilling.
Recreational programming which includes activities such as basketball, volleyball, games and bicycling. The youth also go on recreational field trips such as bowling, roller skating, and outdoor parks.
"As a peer leader at El Arco Iris after school program, I've worked on many mural projects in my community. We have done murals based on education, drugs, teen pregnancy and Puerto Rico. I have also received awards from the "Heart of Holyoke" art shows. Art has given me an opportunity to express myself through pictures rather than words."
To contact El Arco Iris, call (413)695-9671.