Why Give

CCAP brings the transformative power of the arts to thousands of Chicago’s children and youth every year.

Since 1998, CCAP has been transforming the lives of young people by creating communities of learning in and through the arts.  Last year, CCAP served over 3,500 at-risk youth through more than 75 Community Schools programs and 56 arts integration residencies at 10 school sites, and 19 art projects in partnership with 23 community-based organizations throughout Chicago.

Rather than simply designing outreach projects, CCAP unites Columbia College Chicago with schools and communities to create arts-based programs and initiatives that transform how children learn.  There are programs that support the students, teachers and parents of K-12 Chicago and Evanston Public Schools through its Community Schools, Project AIM, Illinois PIRC and ArtUP initiatives.  CCAP’s Urban Missions program and Arts in Youth and Community Development graduate program create important collaborations with community-based arts organizations throughout Chicago.  Columbia College students and faculty are also provided with avenues for real world, experiential learning, thanks to service-learning components developed through CCAP's partnership with the academic departments of the college.  Through all of these programs and initiatives, CCAP helps improve student learning and engagement.

So, why give to CCAP?
Vital arts programs for children and youth are being cut every day.  We know the arts are essential to a complete education.  But we need your help to bring even more innovative arts education programming to the diverse communities of Chicago.  Your gift of any amount will help ensure that every child in Chicago has access to an education that includes learning in the arts.  Make your donation online today.