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Arts Education Programs & Services for Educators

Children of the Future

Children of the Future is an arts and public safety program for youth ages 5-14. The after-school programming is free and available at selected 21st Century Community Learning Center sites operated by the Columbus City Schools. Artists work at the programming centers to plan and conduct activities in dance, creative writing, music, theatre and visual arts. Along with the enhancement of math, science, social science and literacy skills that arts-based programming offers, Children of the Future emphasizes the daily development of constructive communication and conflict resolution skills as tools for coping with social pressure and temptations. In addition, exhibitions of the participants' artwork at the Columbus Museum of Art, BalletMet Columbus, Ohio State University, Children's Hospital, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Performing and Cultural Arts Complex, Otterbein College, private art galleries and many other venues enhance the children's self-esteem and their awareness of the potential they have to play significant roles in their community.

Since its inception in 1995, Children of the Future has provided fun, safe and educational after-school activities for over 15,000 Columbus children. Our Community Arts Education staff coordinates Children of the Future in cooperation with a multitude of program partners. The Children of the Future program has collaborated with the following partners since its inception, including: