At the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology we witness what is called the “WMCAT effect.” It’s the transformation that happens when students develop creative confidence through the arts, find power in aligning personal values with career options, or discover leadership qualities born out of lived experience — then use those developments to make positive change.

“These students are amazing and motivated,” said Brandy Arnold, former Step Year facilitator. Young adults in Step Year — WMCAT’s college and career exploration program — have leveraged self-discovery, career and education exploration, and connections with employers to pursue futures as keynote speakers, ArtPrize artists, and community advocates. “[The transformation] doesn’t end with the program. It changes their whole trajectory. It has such far, far-reaching effects, especially for students and their families, and their economic growth over the course of decades.”

The culture of opportunity provided at WMCAT supports people in making social and economic progress in their lives and communities. Brandy is one of many who, through their work at WMCAT, has witnessed students take hold of opportunities to create change within their lives and communities.

Will you donate today to support self-discovery and career exploration?

In the Teen Arts + Tech Program, teens have space to elevate their voice and build creative confidence through visual arts and technology engagement. Dennis Grantz spent 19 years witnessing the “WMCAT effect” as a staff member. He watched teen artists use photography to tell immigration stories; leverage video storytelling to address bullying of LGBTQ peers; and produce illustrations to celebrate Black History Month in partnership with local businesses. Dennis stated, “It doesn’t take much [for a student] to take off and start barreling down the path of what is exciting to them, giving them the chance to voice and express themselves. It changes their lives.”

When you support WMCAT, you are creating space for teens to express themselves and grow their creative confidence.

“We had a lot of people come through these doors over the years and it really helped shape me,” said Andrea Owens, when reflecting on her 8-year career as an instructor in the Adult Career Training Program. Since its inception, the program has provided over 500 Kent County adults and their families experiencing under- or unemployment a pathway to income stability through tuition-free career training.

“A lot of [WMCAT students] are very bold. They helped me look at things differently,” Andrea reflected, “They’re not just students, they’re a whole being with families, tragedies, struggles, and relationships that they’re dealing with, and that is humbling.” Through personal and professional leadership development embedded in the program, students leverage their lived experience. After graduation, students have created long-term economic security for their families; some have gone on to double their salaries or become first-time homeowners. Their stories pave the way for a more inclusive and vibrant West Michigan for future generations.

This is the “WMCAT effect” in action, and your gift supports students as they pursue training for meaningful careers and economic security.

Brandy, Dennis, and Andrea have witnessed transformation within students when they experience a culture of opportunity. And it doesn’t stop there — the “WMCAT effect” continues when teens build creative confidence to share themselves with the world, young adults explore possibilities for brighter futures, and adults begin meaningful careers.

Join us in Creating Change

Whether you make a one-time or monthly donation, your gift today helps provide tuition-free programs, tools, and a community of support for students as they pursue career, college, and creativity. Make your donation at wmcat.org/donate.

DONATE NOW