Community Outreach

The mission of the Yocum Institute for Arts Education is to connect and enrich our community through arts education, creative performance, and innovative programs. Established in 1934 by Dr. Chester Wittell, the Wyomissing Institute of Fine Arts as it was originally called opened its doors to ensure that people living in West Reading and Wyomissing would have the same opportunities to experience excellence in arts instruction as people in the city. More than 80 years later, the Yocum Institute for Arts Education is the home to the Holleran Gallery, the Schumo Theater, Primary Stages Productions, Art Goes to School, the Berks Art Alliance, and Neighborhood Bridges©, a critical literacy program created by the Children’s Theatre Company.

The Institute, as it is still affectionately called, remains a strong resource for education in and through the arts as it continues to offer on-site private and class instruction in all art disciplines. In keeping with the mission and long-term strategic plan of delivering relevant arts programming beyond the physical walls of the building, “The Institute” has developed an extensive outreach program. Through partnerships with schools, colleges, universities, libraries, recreation centers, and other nonprofit organizations in Berks County, Institute programs impact over 20,000 people annually – truly helping to realize our vision of “making the arts make a difference.”

Partner Organizations and Host Sites

Antietam School District

The Antietam School District embraces its motto of Mounts Climb Together. It provides powerful educational opportunities to its 1,100 students at the Mount Penn Primary Center (K-2), Mount Penn Elementary Center (3-6), and Antietam Middle-Senior High School (7-12). The district embraces the task of preparing students for life beyond school both academically and socially. This work involves constant collaboration between the district, our families, and the wider community. We believe that when we work together, we all reach greater heights.

Art Goes To School Berks County

Art Goes to School is a volunteer art appreciation program serving schools and communities in Berks County. People of all ages who love working with children and are excited about art become volunteer members of Art Goes to School. Volunteers bring art reproductions into the classrooms. We present a program that encourages children to "look, listen and feel" works of art.

Berks Art Alliance

The BAA provides a network of support for artists of all levels and a stimulating program of activities.

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Berks County Parks and Recreation

The mission of the Berks County Parks & Recreation Department is to enrich the quality of life for all in Berks County through an enduring park and trail system that preserves natural resources and cultural heritage, offers inspiring recreational experiences, and promotes healthy lifestyles.

Our parks and recreation facilities along with our many programs and events offer a wide variety of experiences and opportunities for visitors of all ages.

Berks County Public Libraries

Established in 1986 as a federated library system, Berks County Public Libraries includes 19 libraries with 23 locations, each independently governed and operated by a local Board of Directors. The County of Berks supports the efforts of these community based libraries through its Library System department and through direct appropriation. As a department of County government, we provide administrative and centralized support services, coordinated outreach services to unserved populations, networked technology and act in liaison with other state and county agencies.

Berks Opera Company

Berks Opera fills a gap in the cultural offerings available to the Greater Reading audience and the regional community by providing live opera, and provide opportunities for young and local singers to practice their art.

Centro Hispano

Leading with passion and purpose to support and enhance the acculturation of the Latino population in the Greater Reading area through collaborative initiatives designed to enable individuals and families to improve their quality of life and the quality of life in their communities.

John Paul II Center for Special Learning

Everyone has a purpose in life. As a values-based organization, John Paul II Center for Special Learning encourages children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to explore their purpose and reach for goals through unique special education and social programming.

Students ages three to 21 are able to learn and grow throughout our School-Age Program, with the later years focusing on transition and life skills.

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LGBT Center of Greater Reading

The LGBT Center of Greater Reading creates, administers, and provides services, advocacy, and support to the Greater Reading LGBTQ+ community, including our allies, with the goal that all may live a life of fulfillment, inclusion, and celebration.

Two hands holding each other with the words Olivet Boys and Girls Club below in black font.

Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading and Berks County

Our Club is a chartered member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and incorporates many of the national organizations ’ tested youth development programs into our own program lineup.
For most of the club’s history, we had two units in two neighborhoods, Clinton Street and Mulberry Street. During the 1990s, the Club expanded into several new areas of the city. Olivet currently operates seven satellite locations across Reading, along with Blue Mountain Camp in Hamburg, PA.

Our programs address the region’s most pressing and immediate youth issues of education support, after school programming, and mentoring – all of which are provided by caring and knowledgeable staff. We adhere to the national initiatives of Boys & Girls Club of America to help young people between the ages of six and eighteen get a healthy start and enter school ready to perform to the best of their ability cognitively, physically, socially, and emotionally.
Our three core areas of programming promote Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character & Citizenship. To reach and serve as many youths as possible, our programs and services are available during non-school hours and during the summer at free or greatly reduced costs.

Reading Recreation Commission

The Reading Recreation Commission is a community partnership between the City of Reading and Reading School District, funded in part by tax dollars, that provides quality programs and facilities to the residents of Reading. The partnership between the two entities allows us to provide better recreation services in a more cost-effective way. We provide neighborhood-based recreation and learning opportunities for all ages - with an emphasis on affordable programs for children - at schools, parks, playgrounds, and at our two recreation centers.

Reading School District

Reading School District, located between Harrisburg and Philadelphia in southeastern Pennsylvania, has 19 schools, including 13 elementary schools, five middle schools and one senior high school. The district also has its own virtual academy (online learning) and shares a career and technology center with a neighboring district.

Ready.Set.Read!

Managed by United Way of Berks County, the Ready.Set.READ! (RSR) initiative is a collaboration of volunteers, educational organizations, corporations and community partners working together to help improve third grade reading proficiency in children in our community.

VOiCEup Berks County

VOiCEup Berks creates opportunities for people to volunteer, learn and lead in their communities.

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Wilson School District

Located at 2601 Grandview Boulevard in West Lawn, Wilson School District serves over 6300 students and 600 staff members. Our teachers, staff, and principals, look forward to creating an environment where our students are empowered to create their own future!

BERKS COUNTY’S LEADER IN COMMUNITY ARTS EDUCATION

Community Outreach

Partner Organizations and Host Sites

BERKS COUNTY’S LEADER
IN COMMUNITY ARTS EDUCATION