Oh behalf of President Roth, I want to respond to your request for Four Words. I too attended the event last Friday and witnessed the 5th grader, the Wesleyan student, and others describe participating in art and educational programs at Green Street. Through the Green Street Art Center and other programs on campus, Wesleyan is committed to giving back to community and promoting access through partnerships. Through combined efforts of Wesleyan staff and committed financial resources, and community volunteers such as the Albert family, Green Street has been able to offer $140,000 in scholarship support for Middletown youth attending our After School Arts and Science program, the Summer Academy, Music Mentors, and the Young Women's Leadership Institute. Of the 88 youth enrolled in the 2009/2010 after-school program, 90% were low/moderate income and 77% minorities. 91% of all our students receive financial aid awards of 75-100% while 92% of our North End youth receive 90-100% support. Summer and fall programs combined served over 180 participants of all ages through 518 programs and events.
Wesleyan's commitment to Green Street is a commitment to Middletown, youth and education. The after school curriculum offers classes such as art and science, visual arts, sound recording, songwriting, videography, digital animation, and more. Inspired by President Obama, the theme of the 2010-2011 After School Program is "Where We Live" an on-going exploration of the world we live in through art and science, beginning with our homes and neighborhoods and extending globally by year's end. Students and staff are encouraged to think deeply and broadly about their surroundings and how interactions with the environment fit into their perceptions of themselves and their goals.
Thank you for supporting Green Street and we look forward to your continued involvement.
In Peace,
Sonia BasSheva Manjon PhD
Vice President Institutional Partnerships
Chief Diversity Officer
Visiting Assistant Professor Theatre
Wesleyan University
4 comments:
Dear Sonia,
Thank you for your reply. I know how much Wesleyan has helped Green Street in the past.
Is Wesleyan willing to commit to fund it fully over the next five years?
That looks like a PR form letter, not a real response to your first letter. They should be ashamed.
Karen, thank you for signing your name, but I really found your comment uncivil. If you feel that Green Street is significant, then you might want to avoid painting Wesleyan as "Dammed if we do, Dammed if we don't."
Green Street is largely funded by donors, some from the area, and a good chunk from Wesleyan alums and friends. Jessica Carso, who is an employee at Green Steet and Wesleyan, works very hard every year to try and get the donations that they need to keep the programs going. "Wesleyan" would love to fully fund this wonderful place each year, I'm sure, but unfortunately, they need to count on outside donations to help.
If you think Green St Arts is a great place and you want to try to enrich the lifes of local kids, make a donation, and encourage others to do the same!!
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