AYCD
Established in 2003, the Arts in Youth and Community Development concentration of the Masters in Arts Management at Columbia College is a first of its kind in the U.S. It was developed by the Center for Community Arts Partnerships (CCAP) and the Department of Arts, Entertainment and Media Management to address the professional development needs of future leaders in the field of community-based youth arts. AYCD unites grassroots expertise and theoretical knowledge to equip future art leaders with the skills needed to succeed in this growing and dynamic field.
In the AYCD program, academic coursework is intrinsically linked to hands-on learning and leadership opportunities at community-based organizations and public institutions in the youth development sector. A unique feature of the program is a five-semester intensive practicum in which students work up to 20 hours a week in a community-based youth arts organization, receiving mentorship and training in the practical skills needed to run an organization. Participating community-based organizations are situated in a variety of neighborhoods, serving Chicago youth with multidisciplinary arts programs in writing, performance, music, visual art, public art, media and digital technology.
The AYCD master's degree program works to build the next generation of leaders. The course of study balances a thorough academic understanding of the youth arts field with in-depth experience in community-based organizations throughout the program. The program focuses on three major areas of professional development:
- Practical skills necessary for operating an organization.
- Theoretical and philosophical aspects of youth development.
- Understanding of the role of the arts in the lives of young people and the way they relate to society at large.
To speak to someone about this exciting graduate degree, please contact the Assistant Director of Community Partnerships. For more information on applying to the AYCD program, visit the Arts, Entertainment and Media Management (AEMM) website.
For information about all of Columbia College's graduate programs, visit the Graduate Admissions website.
AYCD Partners:
- Archi-Treasures
- About Face Youth Theatre
- Association House of Chicago
- Beyondmedia Education
- Chicago Children's Choir
- Chicago Public Art Group
- Chicago Youth Centers
- Free Spirit Media
- Free Street Programs
- Gary Comer Youth Center
- Insight Arts
- Little Black Pearl
- Music Theatre Workshop
- Najwa Dance Corps
- People's Music School
- Redmoon Theater
- Snow City Arts Foundation
- Street-Level Youth Media
- Video Machete
- Yollocalli Arts Reach
- Young Chicago Authors
Columbia College Chicago
Academic Departments:
- Art & Design
- Arts, Entertainment and Media Management
- Audio Arts & Acoustics
- English
- Fiction Writing
- Film & Video
- Radio
- Television
- Theater
Offices & Centers: