Programs

Our professional art instructors are practicing artists and master craftsmen from the Cincinnati area who create, show and sell their art locally, nationally and internationally. Students and instructors work side-by-side in a guild model that fosters relationships, builds trust, and encourages students to learn skills and discipline needed to succeed in all aspects of life. Students are expected to develop and employ an extensive art vocabulary and are encouraged to observe how their art pieces– from concept to completion– mimic other parts of their lives.

For more information on our studio courses or to become a guest artist, please contact Laura Greene at WhiteLa@cpsboe.k12.oh.us or 513-562-5500.

Bridging the Gap is a collaboration between CATS and our like-minded community partners. A workforce development program, Bridging the Gap focuses on helping students develop the skills necessary to launch successful careers post-graduation and places them in industries that are experiencing a shortage of talent, providing them with an opportunity for long-term career success.

For more information on Bridging the Gap, or to become an employer partner, please contact Charlene Smith at SmiChar@cpsboe.k12.oh.us or 513-562-5500.

CATS helps students think big about life after high school. Our on-site Cincinnati Youth Collaborative (CYC) College Guide works with students throughout the year to guide them through the college application process, applying for financial aid, and exploring college programs and scholarships. CATS also gives students the opportunity to attend an onsite college fair and and attend college tours. These experiences help to make the idea of college enrollment an attainable goal.

Each April, the CATS staff and students also spend a full week touring colleges, allowing students to experience campus life and attend engaging presentations by college staff and students.

For more information about our College Readiness program, please contact Charlene Smith at SmiChar@cpsboe.k12.oh.us or 513-562-5500.

Community involvement enhances the program experience for CATS students by giving them the opportunity to give back to their community. Students learn the importance of civil service and how volunteering can positively impact their lives, and enhance their resumes and college applications. Through community engagement, students learn to confidently interact with community influencers, educators, politicians and business leaders.

Over the years, CATS students have:

• Donated pieces of art for fundraisers at local establishments such as the Awakenings in Hyde Park, the Duke Energy Center and Mayerson Academy.
• Created and hosted a multi-media exhibit for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center’s celebration of U.N. International Day of the Girl Child, sponsored by Dining for Women.
• Created a display for the Art Academy of Cincinnati that reflected the students’ personal experiences with injustice and hopes for community unity.

For more information on how CATS positively impacts our communities or to host a community service event, please contact Brooke Sallas at SallasB@catsorg.org or 513-562-5500.

Twice each year, CATS staff and instructors take our students on field trips to prestigious galleries throughout Cincinnati including: The Carl Solway Gallery, Weston Gallery, Cincinnati Art Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center.

By visiting respected galleries, CATS students experience art outside of their studio environment and gain inspiration from other artists.

For more information or to find out how you can host an art gallery visit, please contact Laura Greene at WhiteLa@cpsboe.k12.oh.us or 513-562-5500.

Each summer, a select group of CATS students join staff members on a trip to one of our nation’s beautiful National Parks. During the trip, students are encouraged to reconnect with nature by taking hikes, lessons in wild-life and nature photography and enjoying excursions to beautiful mountain-bordered fields, picturesque waterfalls and lakes and active hot springs.

Students are also taught how to ensure each other’s safety and learn traditional survival skills such as: identifying safe drinking water, building a camp fire and cooking healthy meals.

For more information on our National Park trips, please contact Laura Greene at WhiteLa@cpsboe.k12.oh.us or 513-562-5500.

CATS provides free computer training for adults in:

• Computer Basics
• Microsoft Office suite of products, including MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint
• Internet Explorer

These courses are taught on a rotating basis and are offered the 3rd and 4th weeks of every month on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 4:45 – 6: 45 p.m. Participants can return to CATS for additional training any time during the year and are provided with reference materials upon course completion.

For more information on computer training for adults or to apply to this program, please contact Diane Masters catc@cpsboe.k12.oh.us 513-562-5500.