As the school year comes to a close, the Arts Council for Long Beach is proud to reflect on a remarkable collaboration with the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) and the Youth Leadership Academy at Stevens, McBride, and Keller Middle Schools. Over the past nine weeks, we’ve had the privilege of engaging with students in the classroom and organizing enriching field trips that have left lasting impressions.
Engaging Classroom Experience
Our journey began with nine weeks of interactive and educational sessions within the classrooms of Stevens, McBride, and Keller Middle Schools. The Youth Leadership Academy provided a platform for students to explore their creativity, develop leadership skills, and understand the importance of art in community building. Through hands-on activities and discussions, students gained new perspectives on the role of art in society and their personal growth.
Exciting Field Trips
To complement the in-class learning, we organized two exciting field trips for each school, designed to inspire and educate students through real-world experiences.
Visit to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)
Our first trip took students to California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). Here, they had the opportunity to:
- Explore the Campus: Students toured the beautiful CSULB campus, getting a glimpse of college life and the diverse range of sculptures and outdoor art installations.
- Engage with Students and Faculty: Interactive sessions with Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum of Cal State Long Beach faculty provided valuable insights into the art programs and career paths in the arts.
Downtown Long Beach Public Art Exploration
The second trip brought students to downtown Long Beach, where they explored the vibrant public art installations that make our city unique. Highlights of this trip included:
- Guided Art Walks: Students participated in guided walks through downtown, discovering murals, sculptures, and other public art pieces that tell the stories of our community.
- Artist Meet-and-Greets: Meeting local artists who shared their creative processes and the inspirations behind their work.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments
We are incredibly thankful for our collaboration with LBUSD and the Youth Leadership Academy at Stevens, McBride, and Keller Middle Schools. Their partnership and support were instrumental in making this program a success. Special thanks to the teachers and administrators who welcomed us into their classrooms and helped facilitate these enriching experiences for the students.
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up this school year, we are filled with gratitude and optimism for the future. The enthusiasm and creativity of the students we worked with inspire us to continue fostering a love for the arts and a sense of community through our programs. We look forward to many more collaborations and opportunities to bring art into the lives of young people across Long Beach.
Thank you to everyone who made this program possible, and we can’t wait to see what the next school year brings!