Free After-School programs for elementary students

Register your Rhode Island student in grades 2-5 for Free Art Adventures weekly virtual classes. The award winning program, offered by The Empowerment Factory, starts February 15^th. Families can register while space is available via www.empowermentfactory.org/free-art-adventures. 

These fun, free afterschool programs combine art, science, reading, and social-emotional learning. Students will receive a Creativity Kit with all needed art supplies for the seven-week program. 

Since its founding in 2014, The Empowerment Factory (TEF) gives children the skills they need to lead happier lives through its afterschool and summer learning programs that focus on three areas of development: creativity, self-esteem and civic pride. In 2019, TEF was recognized with the “Educational Program of the Year” award by the Rhode Island Environmental Education Association (RIEEA).

Free Art Adventures will be delivered on a weekly basis over seven weeks with three options to choose from: 

Nature Drawing Animals of RI Vernal Pools: Tuesdays 5-6 pm 

Nature Drawing Endangered Species #1: Wednesdays 5-6 pm, 

Nature Drawing Animals of RI Ponds & Rivers: Thursdays 6:30-7:30 pm. 

RISD artist-educators guide students step-by-step through drawing animals, and explain various art techniques. Each weekly session begins with mindful moments for focus. Using TEF’s bilingual workbook, students learn about each week’s animal: habitat, endangerment conditions, conservation efforts, and how we as individuals can help their survival. Students are given a chance to spotlight their artwork and discuss what they’ve learned. 

Nature Drawing raises awareness about our impact on our planet and fosters children’s self-confidence and self-esteem while learning fun and easy art techniques. And sparks their interest in science, environmental science and conservation. Students will also develop social and emotional skills by sharing their drawings and participating in empathetic dialogue about endangered species and doing activities that encourage creative self-expression.

Testimonials:

“My 10-year-old daughter really enjoyed the nature drawing series. The lessons included not only instruction in drawing endangered species, but also curious and interesting facts about their plight, habitat and biology. The teachers were warm and engaging and encouraged personal stories and joke-telling to keep the kids entertained and connected.“ – Parent from East Greenwich, RI

“I like both the nature drawing classes; it helped me improve my drawing skill.” – 2nd grader from Cumberland, RI

“I enjoyed learning about the animals in Rhode Island while also learning how to draw with shapes. – 8th grader from Warwick, RI

Interested families can contact The Empowerment Factory for more information at 401-365-1010 or by email at [email protected].

The Empowerment Factory welcomes you to get involved in our community of people coming together to empower Rhode Island youth. If you want to volunteer your time, donate, or advocate by sharing our message on social media, visit The Empowerment Factory website at www.empowermentfactory.org or the Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/TheEmpowermentFactory