WVSA ARTs connection

The ARTiculate Employment Training and Outreach Program is a supplemental education service that provides access to multiple arts-infused educational and vocational experiences for youth, adults, and organizations.

The ARTiculate Program’s Artist Apprenticeship is an arts-based program that seeks to develop vocational, social, and life-management skills for youth and young adults with special needs who desire training and experience in applied graphics, fine arts, social and career-readiness.

The Adult Education Program is a program for DC residents over 16 focusing on literacy and life-skills using technology as a teaching tool. Participants are provided with activities as part of their GED preparation.

The Employment Training Program offers adults career interest assessments, assistance with resume writing, practice interviewing, computer training, as well as opportunities for job shadowing and internships.

Download this application and mail it to WVSA ARTs connection - Attn: ARTiculate Director - 1100 16th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20036 or fax it to (202) 261-0200. For more information, call (202) 296-9100, ext. 215 or send an e-mail to articulate@wvsarts.org.

Applied & Fine Arts Training

Adult Education Program

Employment Readiness Training

Success Stories

The ARTiculate Program’s Artist Apprenticeship is open to people ages 16 to 25 with special needs who live in Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia. Working in WVSA’s art studios, ARTiculate Artist Apprentices learn from professional artists the appreciation and execution of applied and fine arts as a means of providing them with a lifelong tool for self-expression, self-awareness, and self-employment.

ARTiculate Artist Apprentices can learn the following:

•    Painting
•    Drawing
•    Jewelry and craft design
•    Photography
•    Graphic design
•    Framing and hanging paintings

ARTiculate Artists display and sell their work at six exhibits a year in WVSA’s ARTiculate Gallery. One can commission the Artists to create a customized piece of art or buy their work on-line. All Artists receive a percentage of the sale of their work. The Artists’ paintings also hang in offices throughout Washington, DC through WVSA’s art leasing program.

In addition to developing artistic skills, ARTiculate Artist Apprentices are trained in social behavior skills that are reinforced by staff in all aspects of the program. ARTiculate provides an environmental and instructional context through which an individual develops:

•    self-respect, self-esteem, as well as respect for staff, colleagues, and equipment
•    self-determination in one’s life and making choices and decisions regarding quality of life
•    appropriate workplace/studio language, attire, and etiquette

WVSA ARTs connection’s

Literacy for Life

Adult Education Program

Free GED and Literacy Classes

Enroll NOW
- GED Preparation
- Improve reading, math, and computer skills
- Improve employment and life skills

- Classes for different levels

- Small class size

- Convenient location

Flexible Hours
Monday - Friday
Morning or afternoon & it's free!

DC resident adults (minimum age of 16) have the opportunity to take classes that focus on literacy, technology and workplace skills. Participants are provided with hands-on activities, such as internships and mentoring programs in the DC area.

If you are interested in enrolling, please contact:
Chenniah Randoloph, Literacy Coordinator
Department of Outreach and Training
Phone: (202) 296.9100 ext. 305
Email: crandolph@wvsarts.org
WVSA ARTs connection, 1100 16th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036

Funded by the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)

Participants have the opportunity to apply, broaden and enhance these skills in “real world” settings through practical and formal experiences such as gallery openings, marketplace commerce, public performances, and street promotions.

Apprentices complete inventories that facilitate the exploration of their career interests, unique strengths, talents, aspirations. While also working on career exploration exercises and career preparation strategies through programmatic tasks specifically suited to their individual strengths and needs.

In October 2009, WVSA will launch an eight-week course on “Learning to Build and Troubleshoot Computers” taught by Gerard Cooper, President of IT Computer Wiz Kids. Students (ages 16 and above) will develop skills and confidence needed to repair and troubleshoot computers and prepare for careers in the IT field.

Course topics will include:

•    Taking apart PCs and understanding how they work in a fun and exciting learning environment
•    Avoiding, removing, and protecting your PC from viruses/spyware
•    Backing up your computer and how to automate backups
•    Troubleshooting PCs and laptops
•    Upgrading memory, hard drives, and software on PCs and laptops.
•    Five techniques that will speed up your computer
•    Networking computers and printers
•    Answers to questions from A+ Essentials and discussion of IT careers

The mission of IT Computer Wiz Kids is to empower youth with the confidence to pursue professions in IT (Information Technology) and the computer industry by creating a fun and exciting learning environment.

Classes start October 2 and will be held at WVSA on Fridays from 1:30pm to 3:00pm. These classes are free and open to anyone over 16. To register or for more information, call (202) 296-9100, ext. 215 or send an e-mail to articulate@wvsarts.org.

Apprentices are encouraged to understand the range of occupations available, and to become attentive of how social and self-awareness is critical to preparing for a career.

Our Job Shadowing Project provides on-site and community-based instruction to students with special needs that enable them to learn and practice employment-related concepts in authentic settings.