Community Art Projects

Participants embark on large scale community art projects that:

• Respond to the social issues in their communities

• Develop art skills in poetry, video, visual art and theater.

• Focus on the root causes of oppression.

Past Projects include:

• Healthy Living Block Party (Over 150 people attended!)

• We Rock this Vote (70 youth were registered to vote!)

• Bring Back the Wolf, Documentary (Official Selection of   

                  the 2nd Annual Bronx Youth Film Festival!)

• The Red Party, HIV/AIDS Awareness event (where over 

75 teens were tested onsite!)

Travel

Participants have the opportunity to travel during their second and third summer.  Participants:

• Collaborate with other young people who are active in their community.

• Present community art projects in various public spaces throughout the host city.

• Reside on a college campus, receive college tours and information sessions.

Past trips include:

• Washington D.C. (Georgetown and Howard)

• San Antonio, Texas (Our Lady of the Lake University)

• Upstate New York (Vassar)

• New Orleans, LA (Loyola University)

Internships

After demonstrating a high level of commitment to the program and a passion for community activism, all A.C.T.I.O.N. seniors are offered paid internships.  A.C.T.I.O.N. interns revisit one of their past projects and present an interactive workshop at schools and youth programs throughout New York City.  Post graduation, alumni can apply to work as paid organization interns. 

 
College Readiness

All OSP participants take part in three college advisories throughout the program year, led by our program staff and New Settlement College Access Center. Our goal is for participants to identify colleges and universities based on their academic goals and personal interests,  understanding the different elements colleges look for in applicants, and creating a college readiness timeline.  Junior and Senior year participants work with a counselor at the College Access Center on submitting applications, SAT prep classes, and financial aid. 

• 100% of A.C.T.I.O.N.’s first graduating class enrolled in college.

• 97% of A.C.T.I.O.N.’s second graduating class went on to college after high school graduation.

• A.C.T.I.O.N. alumni currently attend: 

Brown University, Colby College, Wheaton 

College, Barnard College CUNY City College, 

Pace University, and many others.