La Casita’s Community Programs focus on visual and performance arts, bilingual literacy, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Programs also use creative expression and mindfulness as a way to work through issues of mental and emotional distress, wellness and self-care among other areas of our children’s and families’ daily lives.
All programs are for ages 5+. Register by contacting La Casita at lacasita@syr.edu.
2025 Youth Programs at La Casita
Open Studio
Open Studio is an art-making workshop where participants can create art using a variety of materials provided by La Casita. Workshops are led by Bennie Guzman, an M.S. candidate in the Creative Arts Therapy program at SU.
Piano Lessons
For youth interested in learning to play the piano. Lessons are taught in groups of two. Piano lessons are 30 minutes long. Taught by Myra Bocage and Sebastían Escribano. Limited space is available, so contact us to register today!
DANZA
DANZA is a weekly dance workshop led by dance instructor Beverly Okanome, an intern in Public Health from SUNY Upstate Medical University. Beverly focuses in dance and body movement as a means for health and wellness. Participants in this program enjoy the rhythm and beat of Latin music and dance!
STEM
A science-based program led by members of the Syracuse University Information Technology Experience (S.U.I.T.E.). Participants work on projects and experiments exploring computer science, technology, engineering, and math.
Guitar Lessons
A weekly group workshop where participants learn the basics of guitar. Guitars are provided. Guitar lessons are 20 min long. Taught by Santos Ciriaco. Limited space is available, so contact us to register today!
Drums & Stories
Drums & Stories is a weekly group workshop combining the power of drumming and music as a way to tell and share stories. Taught by George Jackson, a second year Music and Sound Recording Major at OCC who has been drumming since the age of 3! Spaces are limited so sign-up now!
Violin Lessons
Interested in playing the violin? Join our weekly violin lessons where you will be able to learn, play, and enjoy the violin! The program is taught by Amaya Tucker, a sophomore in Music Performance at Syracuse University specializing in violin performance.
Design Workshop
Participants design and build their creations using a variety of materials provided by La Casita. Workshops are led by architect Sofía Gutiérrez, an SU alum and designer of “El Carrito” currently on view at La Casita.
Rich Youth: Motivation to Reach Your Goals
This program is designed to empower young people by fostering self-confidence, goal-setting, resilience, and social skills through fun, interactive activities. Workshops are led by Daijon Richards, a Social Work Master’s student.
Art as Mindfulness: For Adults
A weekly program for adults to enjoy a space for self-reflection, developing creative expressions, and exploring emotions. Workshops are led by Bennie Guzman, who is a M.S. candidate in the Creative Arts Therapy program at SU.
For more information about the programs being offered this semester, please contact:
Bennie Guzman, Programming Coordinator
bguzma01@syr.edu
To enroll in La Casita’s community programs, please contact:
Ana Arango, Community Engagement Coordinator
aiarango@syr.edu