AFS Arts-Inspired Learning VISTA

The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (CAL), founded in 1953, is a leading arts education organization in Northeast Ohio. CAL’s mission is to foster creative learning, drive educational innovation, and transform lives through collaborative efforts with teaching artists, educators, students, and communities. CAL’s multidisciplinary programs focus on helping youth experiencing poverty by using the arts to promote academic, social-emotional, and cognitive development. To date, CAL has enriched the lives of over 7 million youth, impacting more than 5,000 children annually across six counties . CAL is re-igniting our mission and expanding to reach underserved, high-poverty communities outside of Cuyahoga County. This project aims to remove barriers to arts education by increasing access for children in areas with limited resources. By partnering with schools, libraries, recreation centers, houses of workship, and other community organizations, CAL will provide arts-integrated learning opportunities to children who might otherwise not have access to such enriching programs. The project focuses on addressing the needs of children experiencing poverty, using the arts to promote academic success, social-emotional well-being, and cognitive growth. This project will be supported by a VISTA member, whose role will begin in June, 2026 and run through May, 2027. The VISTA will help expand CAL’s programs by engaging new partners and strengthening existing relationships. They will also assist with logistics, scheduling, and program coordination, ensuring that arts education is accessible to children in underserved locations. The VISTA will assist in tracking program outcomes, gather feedback, and help improve the overall impact of CAL’s programs. This initiative will provide long-term benefits to the communities served, offering a pathway for youth to thrive through the power of the arts.

Member Duties : The VISTA will support CAL’s expansion into high-need communities, particularly those facing significant poverty, by engaging new partners and strengthening existing ones with schools, libraries, recreation centers, and community organizations. This ensures continued access to arts education for low-income populations, contributing to CAL’s poverty alleviation efforts. They will evaluate in-school and out-of-school programs, focusing on logistics. They will assess program effectiveness through feedback from participants, artists, and partners. This role also supports CAL leadership in advancing the mission of alleviating poverty through arts education.

Program Benefits : Training , Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Relocation Allowance , Health Coverage* , Childcare assistance if eligible , Living Allowance .

Terms :
Car recommended .

Service Areas :
Education , Children/Youth , Community Outreach .

Skills :
Writing/Editing , Community Organization , Education .

SUMMARY

Program Type:

AmeriCorps VISTA

Program

AFS Arts-Inspired Learning VISTA

Program Start/End Date

06/01/2026 - 05/31/2027

Work Schedule

Full Time

Education level

Some college

Age Requirement

Minimum: 18 Maximum: None

Program Locations

OHIO Cleveland/ Akron

Languages

English

Accepting Applications

From 04/09/2026 To 05/08/2026

Contact

Christine Madden

1470 E 105th St

Cleveland OH 44106

2165615005

[email protected]

arts-inspiredlearning.org

Listing ID

129267