LYNN — Raw Art Works (RAW) has received a $10,000 grant from Wells Fargo that will help the Lynn-based arts organization offer college access and career exploration programs to nearly 200 teens this year.
RAW Executive Director Kit Jenkins said, “The support of Wells Fargo demonstrates their commitment to the community and to youth development. The grant will help RAW offer paid opportunities for teens to build workforce development skills through arts-based employment at RAW. Youth will also participate in college access and career exploration programming through individualized support and 50-plus workshops that address topics such as financial literacy, professional networking, résumé writing, and more. We are so grateful to Wells Fargo for being true partners in our work with young people in Lynn.”
“Arts education is one of the most critical programs we can offer to young people, helping them commit to their academic pursuits, identify future career paths and engage in their communities,” said Briana Curran, vice president of Community Relations & Communications at Wells Fargo. “Raw Art Works ignites a passion in young people, ensuring they can use creativity to express themselves, beautify their communities and forge a positive path forward, making positive lasting change in Lynn.”
One of the groups supported through this grant is RAW Chiefs, the organization’s paid leadership development program for teens who mentor more than 170 younger children in their weekly visual arts groups. Each summer, two RAW Chiefs are selected to support RAW staff in leading Van Go, the summer mobile outreach program that provides free art-making experiences to youth and families at a variety of public locations throughout Lynn. Van Go has been traveling throughout Lynn every summer since 2000. This summer, Van Go visited The Food Project, The Salvation Army, Children’s Friend and Family, and more.
The two RAW Chiefs leading the program with RAW staff this year are Amana Fernandes and Surelys Holguin Collado, who have more than 10 years of combined leadership experience.
When asked why she feels Van Go is important, Collado said “Van Go is an opportunity for kids in Lynn to connect with the ‘good’ in the city. Through Van Go, kids can connect with art and themselves, focus on their mental and spiritual health, and take time to slow down and breathe.” Fernandes added: “Van Go has been a great experience for me this year. I have loved going out into the community and sharing what we do at RAW. The kids have been so excited about making art and talking to us. The best is when they ask how much RAW is and I can say it’s free! We have given out so many applications and I can’t wait to see all the new faces at RAW!”
