Teen Arts + Tech Program

Enrollment for our spring 2023 semester has closed.
Visit the enrollment page to fill out the interest form + be the first to know when enrollment opens.

LEARN MORE + FILL OUT INTEREST FORM

Our nationally recognized Teen Arts + Tech Program engages high school students from Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) in creative, tuition-free afterschool experiences from September through May.

Monday/Wednesday Studios

Digital Illustration

Come learn the tools and techniques of basic digital illustration and the fundamentals of computer graphics. You’ll strengthen your ability to communicate ideas, thoughts and processes through the creation of characters, anime, graphic novels and more.

Coding

Curious about creating in the coding world? Explore activities in areas of Scratch, Python, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Semester project includes using a processor to create a device that can scan album covers and play tracks on Spotify.

Jewelry Making

Learn the basics of handcrafted metal jewelry! Students will become familiar with layout, filing, texturing, basic roller embossing, soldering, forming, finishing, and polishing. Samples and finished projects will vary and may include rings, bracelets, pendants, chains, and more.

Video Production

Direct and produce your own movies! Learn the principles of storyboarding, lighting, camera work, and editing to produce your own original, digital stories.

Ceramics

Come play with clay! For beginners and those with experience to practice essential skills in hand-building, wheel throwing, and glazing to create unique creations from clay.

Tuesday/Thursday Studios

Ceramics

Come play with clay! For beginners and those with experience to practice essential skills in hand-building, wheel throwing, and glazing to create unique creations from clay.

Fashion Design

Wear your own one-of-a-kind designs! Develop basic skills in fashion sketching, patternmaking, and machine sewing to create a variety of projects. You’ll also explore different fabrics and learn techniques for dyeing fibers.

T-Shirt + Skateboard Design

From your favorite tee to posters and skateboard decks, graphic prints are everywhere. Learn pro tools like Adobe Photoshop and learn to screen print your own designs to produce unique, eye-catching projects for yourself and others.

Music Production

Do you want to learn how to make your own music sound better? Learn industry tricks of the trade to create and edit sounds, as well as how to layer, mix, and sample to make original recordings.

Photography

Understand the key functions of our professional DLSR cameras and tips on design and composition to create great images. Learn about lighting, editing in Photoshop, and even making images the “old school” way in our full-scale darkroom.

Video Game Design

Love to play video games? Learn how to design your own! Explore multiple aspects of game design including game art, 3D modeling, programming, and project management in this studio.