Become An Apprentice

The Creative Community Apprenticeship (CCA) is intentionally designed to strengthen our operational capacity, while providing high quality professional development to our youth and adult volunteers. CCA is an eight month serve-and-learn program: the service component is a commitment to host Open Studio one afternoon per week, while the learning comes in the form of online and in-person trainings focused on our four core practices and principles:
  • youth-centered approaches,
  • expressive arts,
  • restorative practices, and
  • trauma-informed care

By the end of the apprenticeship, participants have gained new skills to positively engage youth and communities both within and beyond our space. By investing in the development of our volunteers, we believe we can build a network of strengths-based champions for youth in our community. Scroll below to learn more about this program and how you can participate!
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
We value youth-adult partnership in all of our work, including the apprenticeship program! We pair four youth apprentices (ages 16-24) with four adult apprentices to host Open Studio during the school year. Apprentices may be artists who are seeking more experience with youth, youth workers hoping to deepen their knowledge and broaden their skills, or youth and young adults who are exploring interests that could lead to career paths. The common thread is an interest in working with youth through the arts. Here's a job description with more details.

Ideal Apprentices:
  • Have a general interest in youth development, creativity, and community building
  • Want to deepen their knowledge and skills to effectively work with middle and high schoolers
  • Can commit to a weekly, 3-hour volunteer shift hosting Open Studio (Shifts are Mon.-Thurs. 3:15-6:15), as well as the learning sessions detailed on the learning schedule
  • Are at least 16 years old and can provide references and pass a background check
THE COMMITMENT
The Creative Community Apprenticeship combines experience with content to deepen the learning and development that we can offer. Here's a breakdown of the commitment:

Experience Hours (12 hrs/mo.)
  • Volunteer to staff the studio 1 day/wk from 3:15-6:15pm during the 2017-18 school year
Content Hours (6-8hrs/mo.)
  • Participate in on-demand e-courses and in-person skill development workshops
  • Attend the monthly Reflection Circle
All in-person work will happen at our studio. Online learning modules will be available on-demand through an easy to access website. 
WHAT YOU GET
Community Connections:
Meet neighbors, build friendships, and expand your network! The community of folks who make up courageous heARTS is pretty awesome and you are bound to grow your connections.

Dedicated Creative Time:
While hosting the studio, you get to be creative too! We encourage our apprentices to model their own creative practice (whatever stage it's at!) with youth. Explore the supplies, make mistakes, and maybe even surprise yourself!

Hands-On Learning:
We believe that experience can teach as much as books do, and have crafted learning that has direct application to your studio duties and can benefit you well beyond our walls!
Ready to apply?
We still need helpers on Tuesdays. Might that be you?
Apply today!