Letter from the Director
Letter from the Director
To all of BYA’s supporters, friends, and family,
I hope that you are doing well during this unpredictable and trying time.
In mid-February, BYA began the Studio Apprentice 2020 Spring Session with over 20 young people who were ready to gain creative and job readiness skills with us. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we had to close our program on March 16. We are fortunate to have such a committed group of Apprentices who have worked with us to make adjustments to our program moving forward.
On March 12, BYA Apprentices were sent home with packets for the first two weeks of the closure. During this time, staff and instructors put their heads together to adjust our program so that we could all maintain contact with one another and provide high-quality activities for Apprentices. We wanted to make sure that what we were creating and asking of youth did not overwhelm anyone during what has become a very stressful and sad time. If you have ever been to BYA, you know how loud and active a space it is! It has been a big transition moving all that we do to online.
Our first goals were to make sure everyone was okay and that anything we asked of youth was both equitable and accessible. Through Google forms and phone calls, we determined internet access, time constraints, and supply needs. I cannot stress how incredible BYA staff and instructors have been during this time. A big thanks to Leisha, Vy, Nathan, Joey, Amir, and Giselle for all that you do. Everyone thought through their classes, what barriers young people might encounter, and used their innovative minds to make the best of the curve that was thrown our way.
So, What are we doing?
Apprentice Payment
Apprentices are still being paid. Payment is determined by assignment completion. Apprentices can be in communication with their supervisor if any issues arise that prevent them from completing their assignments. As so many people are being laid off around the country, we wanted to hold up our contract with youth and ensure they were still getting paid.
Classes and Assignments
We no longer have classes. Instead, we have created a series of assignments and independent projects. Apprentices are assigned 3 assignments each week while Senior Apprentices are assigned 4.
All assignments are posted through Google Classroom and are also emailed each week.
Assignments can be turned in either by uploading images and documents to Apprentice’s online folders or by emailing them to info@bmoreyoutharts.org.
Supplies
Youth were surveyed on the supplies they have at home and will receive a package in the mail, which includes the following:
Watercolor paper pad, watercolor set, 1 paintbrush, palette, fabric, construction paper, sewing thread and needle, markers, and colored pencils
Communication
Community Meeting: Each week we will have a community meeting over Zoom. Links will be sent through Google Classroom and email each Monday.
Weekly Check-Ins: Instructors and staff are reaching out to youth for a 10-minute check-in each week to see how they are, what resources are needed, and to answer any questions.
Office hours: All instructors are holding “office hours” that are posted in Google Classroom. Apprentice can use office hours to ask assignment questions and get tips for the art they are working on at home.
Contacting us: At any time youth are able to contact us through Google Classroom as well as through email or by phone. If questions are asked outside of office hours, an answer may take some time. Please contact info@bmoreyoutharts.org with questions.
Over the coming weeks, we will keep sharing the work that Apprentices have been working on through the newsletter, website, and on our social media platforms. Check back to see all their talent!
Our Work in the Juvenile Justice System
BYA is normally at the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center three days a week facilitating Job Readiness and visual art classes as well as dialogue circles but we have had to suspend programming due to the pandemic. We are currently talking to some of our partners to see how we can best support detained youth at this time and will be sending updates as we receive them.
It has been incredible to watch people around Baltimore step up to support one another over the past few weeks - from creating PPE for medical workers on the front lines to folks quickly mobilizing to provide direct support. If you want more information on resources in the city, check out our resource page. Email us anything you think should be added.
We know that our program may be closed for months and we are committed to figuring out how to maintain our mission and support young people both in detention and in the community. Take care of yourselves and your families.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Gianna Rodriguez