Wesleyan’s Center for Creative Youth (CCY), is a precollege summer residency program in the arts for students ages 14–18. Talented high school students from across Connecticut, the United States and around the world will gather for four weeks of intensive study in the arts.
- FOCUS on Music, Theater, Visual Arts, Musical Theater, or Creative Writing
- EXPLORE new art forms in master class workshops with visiting artists
- CONNECT to a community of young artists from across the U.S. and abroad
- CHALLENGE yourself to discover your artistic voice
The program features daily arts classes in a variety of concentrations, including creative writing, music, musical theater, theater, and visual arts. Additionally, students participate in elective intensives, a series of classes that encourage students to explore art forms outside of their main concentration, or to deepen the study of their chosen art form. In each of the art disciplines, students gain hands-on experience in an advanced, progressive curriculum emphasizing critical thinking, interdisciplinary and multicultural learning, leadership skills, and historical context. World class shows, Master classes, workshops, field trips, dances, open mic nights and share days throughout the program fill the summer with creative inspiration. Students leave CCY with a better perspective on career and higher education choices.
CCY has a celebrated history of recruiting students from across the United States and beyond who come together to explore their art form on a deeper level and to connect to young, creative minds like their own. The culture created by a staff of professional artists, teachers, residential advisors and administrators is one of nurturing acceptance and progressive encouragement. The program accepts 60-80 students, creating a diverse ethnic, economic, and cultural community. Students range in age from 14-18. Students must have completed at least one year of high school to be eligible for the program.
With a 40+ year history of excellence, many students and families have found the program to be “life-changing,” providing focus, validation and motivation to future leaders of the artistic community.
