La Casita’s Youth Programs focus on visual and performance arts, bilingual literacy, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Programs also utilize 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 daily lives.
To register for youth programs, contact La Casita today at lacasita@syr.edu.
Libros Amigos
Ages 7+
Tuesday 5:00-6:00pm
Libros Amigos is a weekly reading program. This program allows participants to gain confidence in reading in both English and Spanish. This program is facilitated by SU alumna Alicia Orama (G’21), who holds a B.A. in Arts History from the University of Havana, Cuba and a M.A. in Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture from Syracuse University.
Open Studio
Ages 5+
Wednesday 4:00-6:00pm
Open Studio is an art-making workshop where participants can create art using a variety of materials provided by La Casita.
Música – Piano Lessons
Ages 5+
Wednesday 4:00-6:00pm
Students in piano lessons learn the basics of the instrument while gaining a love of music! Lessons are taught by local musician and SU alum Sebastián Escribano ’20, who holds a B.A. from the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University.
Arts as Mindfulness
Adult Program
Thursday 4:00-5:30pm
A weekly program for adults to enjoy a space for creativity and self-reflection, building on community, managing stress, and developing creative expressions. Workshops are led by Bennie Guzman, who holds a B.A. in Art from Colgate University and is a M.S. candidate in the Creative Arts Therapy program at SU.
TC: Toward College/Talleres Culturales
Ages 12+
Thursday 5:00-6:00pm
This spring, TC becomes a writing workshop where middle school and high school students find the time and space to write, create, and share their own stories on their terms. Our kids are already storytellers, and we want them to realize their full potential. Workshops are led by Jacob Gedetsis (G’21), faculty member at SUNY ESF, and Florencia Lauria, Ph.D. Candidate at SU.
DANZA
All Ages
Friday 4:00-5:00pm
DANZA is a weekly Dance workshop led by Gabriela Padilla, a Syracuse University student and dancer in the Raíces Dance Troupe, directly from Puerto Rico! Participants in this program enjoy the rhythm and beat of Latin music and dance!
STEM Workshop
Ages 5+
Friday 5:00-6:00pm
A weekly science-based program led by SU student Angel Medina and his team from the Society of Hispanic Professionals in Engineering (S.H.P.E.). Participants work on projects and experiments exploring science, technology, engineering, and math.
Acting Workshop
Ages 12+
Saturday 12:00-1:30pm
This is a weekly program led by SU student, actor, and musician José Galindo. Participants use acting, voice, and body movement as a form of self-expression, reflection, healing, and wellness.
For more information about the youth programs being offered this semester, please contact:
Bennie Guzman, Programming Coordinator
To enroll in La Casita’s youth programs, please contact:
Alicia Orama, Community Engagement Coordinator