Hampshire College

In order to secure committed lasting relationships with local community groups in what is often a transitory college environment, CPSC has several ongoing projects that have been identified as Partnership Projects. For these projects, CPSC provides an application process, trainings and check in times to allow students to reflect on their work as well as think critically about issues of power, culture and identity in relation to community-based work.

1. Positive Development is a photography program of El Arco Iris that allows youth to develop photography skills, document their own communities, foster leadership while countering negative stereotypes of young people in the commnities where they live.

Community Partner:
El Arco Iris Youth and Community Arts Center is a unique multi-disciplinary after-school and summer arts program in South Holyoke using arts and other activities to engage youth in improving their community. El Arco Iris offers classes in the arts, promotes cultural pride and appreciation, empowers and trains youth in leadership skills, engages youth in Community Service Learning, provides tutoring, and offers recreational activities and field trips.

Jose Colon and Imre Kepes, Co-Directors Molly Hein, Photography Coordinator

2. Bridge to the Future is an afterschool tutorial program for Latino students at Holyoke High School. Through academic support, computer classes, visits to Five college campuses and a mentoring relationship with local college students, youth engage in a relationship with nearby colleges, their students and the daily college life.

Community Partner:
Holyoke High School, Mr. Roth, Transitional Bilingual Education Department Head

3. Youth Leadership Academy is a teen centered program promoting youth leadership through dialogue, education and action projects.

Community Partner:
Casa Latina (parent organization) is a membership organization located in Northampton working to organize the Latino community through education and action. Beth Mattison, Director

4. Nuestras Raices is a grassroots organization that promotes ecnomic, human, and community development in Holyoke through urban agriculture. Programs include starting and maintaining of community gardens, elder and youth programming, educational workshops, the contruction of a greenhouse and new Centro Agricola and more.

Dan Ross, Director Luis Saez