The Creative Connections program provides a paid, year-long teaching artist internship to UCI arts majors, preparing them to develop and implement arts-based curriculum and projects for K-12 students in collaboration with an Orange County area educator.
Creative Connections has two major goals:
- To provide CTSA Teaching Artist Interns practical teaching experience within their discipline that is equitable, diverse and inclusive
- To support K-12 Orange County students and educators in achieving greater learning through artistic practice and exploration
This program not only offers sustained access to arts education that augments the amazing work being done in Orange County area schools and districts, but also develops our CTSA students into engaged citizen artists and arts educators as they work towards their degrees. Participation in the Creative Connections program is free for schools and school districts, with priority given to educators at schools receiving support from Title 1 of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Projects are created collaboratively between the Creative Connections Teaching Artist Interns and Educators in the fields of art, dance, drama and music, spanning across the entire school-year.
My experience with Creative Connections opened my eyes to how to start the process of being a part of changing youth's lives. The hands-on experience of presenting myself in front of students helped build confidence and recognizing we, as interns/mentors, can make a difference.
Rebecca / UCI Drama Major / Class of 2022
It has been fantastic working with the Creative Connections program; it has provided learning opportunities to our students that just would not have been possible otherwise.
Jason Grenier / Teacher / Irvine Unified School District
Until this internship, I was not presented with opportunities outside of the UCI community to contribute to a better society. This is a necessary and fulfilling experience that I recommend to anyone at CTSA.
Kathleen / UCI Art Major / Class of 2016
My intern was the consummate creative professional. She stepped up to offer insightful advice on a range of issues - in addition to creating great, accessible lesson plans for students. This was a really positive experience for me and my students.
Margaret Segalla / Teacher / Santa Ana Unified School District
