Achievement Through the Arts

Achievement Through the Arts (ATA) is an arts based program that works with youth in the South Collinwood community. It is located at the Five Pointe Community Center at 813 East 152 Street.

“Our main focus is arts and cultural awareness” said executive director Brenda Shorts. Their training includes singing and theater. Last year they sang at the Euclid Beach Blast and Porchfest, attended a production of “The Lion King,” and put on their own production of “The Wiz” for Gateway Retirement.

ATA also participated in Parade the Circle this year. The children went dressed as bumblebees and made their own creative costumes out of headpieces, wings and tie-dye pants. This year they are going to see the “Cinderella” production, which starts July 21st at Cleveland Playhouse Square. Jackson said that they are looking for sponsors to take the inner city program to a city, cultural event.

Achievement Through the Arts features an etiquette program called “Girls N’ Pearls & Troops in Trousers”, an eight-week series that runs from July through August. The etiquette program teaches children manners and social graces, according to program director Tracey Jackson. Last year featured a speaker series and the children learned how to set tables, introduce themselves to the guests and ask formal questions. The speakers included Chief of Police Calvin Williams, District Commander Dennis Hill, Fire Chief Marshall Shorts, and Superintendent Denise Ward of Warrensville Heights. This year they would like to have sports figures.

Another of the program’s features is the ATA Store, which teaches banking and economics. The children earn ATA bucks for their different activities that they have to count and manage themselves. At the end of each month they can cash in for certain prizes. According to Shorts they have a system of “deferred gratification,” where the children earn interest on their money if they decide to save it instead of spend it. Eventually she and Jackson want to partner with a bank to start savings accounts for the children.

Shorts said that the goal of ATA is to create a positive medium that brings out the creative potential in city youth. “We utilize arts as a base to reach out to children” she said.

ATA sessions are held at the Five Pointe Community Center, from 4 to 6pm on Tuesdays, and 10:30 to noon on Saturdays. One of their upcoming events is the Royal Ball, a fundraiser for children ages 7 to 14. The date is currently TBD.

Shorts and Jackson are always looking for more children to get involved. Their website is www.atacleveland.org