Since 1999, the Arts Branch of the YMCA has provided high quality arts education and academic support to students in Syracuse City School District elementary schools. Currently, through our collaboration with the District, the Y provides after school programming to nearly 1000 students daily at McKinley-Brighton, Roberts, Salem Hyde and Hughes/The Syracuse Latin School.

Through these programs, our students have the opportunity to improve their academic performance while participating in a wide variety of arts programming: dance, drama, visual arts, creative writing, music. Other enrichment offerings include such activities as chess, sports and fitness, character development, and more.

To participate in one of these after school programs, a child must be a currently enrolled student at the host school. Programs generally begin in mid or late October, and enrollment information is distributed by the schools in September.

You can help! A great majority of students in our Syracuse after school programs are from families with serious financial need, with few other opportunities to participate in the arts. If you would like to help ensure that we can continue to provide them with these crucial programs, we'd love to discuss it with you.

Please e-mail Phil Memmer, Executive Director of the Arts Branch, at pmemmer@ymcacny.org, or call 474-6851 x328. You could also click the "Give" link at the top of the page, and select the Arts Branch as the designee of your gift!