After-School Programs

A group of students stand in front of a long desk working on mushroom art projects. A row of mushroom and bug posters hangs on the wall above their heads.

We host two free after-school programs for local students: our Junior Varsity (grades 6–8) and Varsity (grades 9–12) art clubs.

Both clubs meet twice a week throughout the school year to work on projects in our Maker Space, our dedicated classroom in Luther Barn, culminating in a final group show each spring. More than any particular artistic skill, we focus on creative problem solving, social-emotional skill development, and student-driven, project-based learning.

Our hope is that students will join us on the Junior Varsity squad in middle school, then join the Varsity squad in high school while serving as peer mentors for the new group of JV students. After graduating high school, students have the opportunity to enter an internship program with the Wassaic Project and receive tailored support towards their future goals — ranging from one-on-one meetings to discuss future careers, college recommendations, direct connections with professionals in their fields of interest, or simply emotional support throughout the complex journey of early adulthood. We will always serve as a resource to our youth, no matter how long ago they worked with us.

To nominate a student or apply, email jill@wassaicproject.org.

The Maker Space is funded by Dutchess County’s Learn, Play, Create grant program. The after-school clubs are partially funded by NYS OCFS and Dutchess County’s APG grant programs, and local private foundations.