Programs

South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC)

Founded in 1940 and located in the heart of historic Bronzeville, the South Side Community Art Center (SSCAC) grew out of the Work Progress Administration’s (WPA) Federal Arts Project. Of the more than 100 community art centers established by the WPA, the SSCAC is the only surviving art center and the oldest African-American art center in the United States. The mission of the SSCAC is to provide arts education to our local community, maintain and grow our permanent collection of original African-American artwork dating back to the 1940's, provide exhibition and gallery space to local artists, develop a body of collectors, and increase opportunities for African-American Artists. www.southsidecommunityartcenter.com

Program Spotlight

Blackstone Bicycle Works

Blackstone Bicycle Works (BBW) is the youth education program of the Experimental Station. BBW’s mission is to provide educational and recreational opportunities to local boys and girls (ages 9 and up) in the context of a retail community bike shop. Our year-round, summer, after-school and Saturday program offers participating youth training in bicycle safety, mechanics and repair, customer service, and entrepreneurial skills.

Website: www.experimentalstation.org/blackstone

Afterschool Program Research

The Promising Afterschool Programs Study found that regular participation in high-quality afterschool programs is linked to significant gains in standardized test scores and work habits as well as reductions in behavior problems among disadvantaged students.