With support from the California Arts Council, the Junior Center of Art and Science (JCAS) will expand equitable access to arts education for East Bay youth through its high quality, hands-on after-school classes. Founded in 1954, JCAS serves over 6,000 youth and 325 families annually, with a focus on reaching low-income communities, Title I schools, and neurodivergent students who benefit from hands-on, sensory-rich learning environments.
In addition to expanding reach, the grant will enable JCAS to build consistency for youth and families by retaining experienced teaching artists and investing in long-term relationships with local educators. Many of the students JCAS serves face systemic challenges—limited access to enrichment programs, housing instability, or language barriers—and the reliability of a familiar, welcoming creative space has a measurable impact on their sense of belonging and engagement.