Arts After School has gradually expanded to serve 73 at-risk children, ages 5-12, who engage in workshops and performances and create original art.  The children experience joy, accomplishment, rising self-esteem, and new hope for their future, as well as  relationships  developed with the 29 university students who volunteer with the program.  University students also testify to changes in their worldview and level of empathy as a result of using their talents with the children. The Arts after School program was one of the Arts & Spirituality Center's earliest endeavors. In the first year of this program, our executive director was closely involved in the development and implementation of this programming, as well as artistic leader, Marcy Francis.  In the 2003-2004 school year, our emphasis shifted as we provided two interns to aid our community partners in their continuing work.  In 2005, Arts after School will be operating independently under the oversight of our community partners, needing only limited consultation from the Arts and Spirituality Center.  This has been a wonderful progression highlighting our emphasis on empowering community partners by identifying and nurturing their inherent strengths.