East Side Community Arts Summer Program provides a safe, local environment for the youth of East San Jose to interact though the visual and performing arts. This exposure to art–in its variety of expressions and modes–provides students of different ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds an opportunity to create meaningful relationships and foster self-esteem. Since the summer of 2012, ESCA has offered students, ages 8-18, with the opportunity to engage their creativity and explore their imaginations. As in years past, this summer’s program will offer high-quality, culturally relevant, free summer art opportunities to youth in East San Jose in the form of a half-day summer camp experience. Classes offered in the past have included Video Production, Visual Art, Afro-Latin Drumming, Handbell Choir, Theatre Arts, Textile Crafts, STEAM Crafts, Aztec Dance, and Breakdancing.