Our history
1968
A teachers strike shut down New York City public schools for 36 days. In response, a dozen parents and teachers in Washington Heights joined to offer informal but structured classes in pottery, writing, science, and art. When the strike ended, the Cultural Workshops Program continued with 50 youth enrolled in seven weekend workshops.1972
The Board of Directors formally incorporated Children’s Arts & Science Workshops as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit agency. Housed in the Broadway Temple at 4111 Broadway, CASW’s original board included Executive Director Sylvia Rhinewine, June Bernal, Jack Manheim, and Herman D. Farrell, who has served as the neighborhood’s representative in the New York State Assembly since 1974.1975
To help working parents searching for safe childcare after school and during the summer, CASW introduced the After School Services and Summer Day Camps.1978
Sylvia Rhinewine stepped down, and Lola Gallo became Executive Director.1984
CASW received the City’s first Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) contract, providing summer jobs to youth. The enrollment has grown from just 300 youth to 1,700 participants in Manhattan, and CASW has offered the program every year since.The “Rock the Heights” Teen Recreational Program began in direct response to the growing drug market in Washington Heights. In contrast, CASW offered older teenagers a healthy and safe environment in the late afternoon and early evenings.
1985
CASW partnered with NYC Public Schools in opening an After School Community Learning Center at PS 173.1988
Florence Cronin became Executive Director.1989
With a collective of over 60 community agencies, CASW formed the Heights-Inwood Consortium on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Services (HICAPPS) to address the rising numbers of teen pregnancy. Although HICAPPS disbanded in 1994, its model continues to serve as the standard for partnerships today.1998
Yokasta Morales became Executive Director.1999
Incorporating elements of the earlier Adolescent Vocational Exploration Program sponsored by the Department of Labor, the In-School Youth Program began through the former Department of Employment (now Department of Youth & Community Development). The program helps youth stay in high school and explore education and career options after graduation.2000
CASW instituted Funding Plans to convert 506 West 166 Street into the future home of all programs and administrative offices. The project is ongoing.2005
To accommodate the new Immigrant Special Initiatives Program and the growing number of participants living in the Bronx, CASW opened a satellite office on West 204th Street.CASW opened its first Attendance Improvement/Dropout Prevention Program as an addition to the Out-of-School Time Program/After School Community Learning Center at MS 44.
The agency also began its partnership with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, when it opened the After School Community Learning Center at St. James Recreational Park in the Bronx.
2006
CASW established an Attendance Improvement/Dropout Prevention Program/After School Community Learning Center at IS 129, as well as an After School Community Learning Center at PS 115.CASW moved to its current location at 4271 Broadway.
2008
CASW celebrates its 40th anniversary of providing services to the youth and families of Washington Heights/Inwood.The agency established an After School Community Learning Center at Marble Hill Houses, representing a new partnership with the New York City Housing Authority.
CASW received a Supplemental Education Service contract with the New York State Education Department, enabling us to provide tutoring to students in underperforming public schools.
2009
CASW’s programs continue to grow with a middle school component added to the program at Marble Hill Houses and SYEP services offered in the Bronx.The Neighborhood Development Area (NDA) awarded CASW a contract to expand Employment Skills services to high school students throughout Manhattan.
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