Teen Arts + Tech Program
If you’re in Grades 9-12 in Grand Rapids Public Schools, join our tuition-free, after-school program. Explore a variety of studios where your voice matters and your ideas take shape, all while making new friends.
Whether you’re glazing ceramics, capturing a photo, mixing a beat, designing a mural, shooting a video, or sewing a runway-ready look, WMCAT has a spot just for you. The afterschool Teen Arts + Tech Program provides the space, industry-quality supplies and equipment, mentorship from local professional artists, and community connections needed to explore your creativity while building new skills and relationships.
And it’s all tuition-free! If you’re entering grades 9–12 and attend Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS), join us!
Who
Grand Rapids Public Schools students in grades 9–12.
Where
West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology, 614 First St NW #300 (Third Floor), Grand Rapids, MI 49504.
When
After school, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. weekly; days of week depend on studio selection.
What’s in Store
Pick a studio, then jump into:
- Collaboration with up to 11 other teens + a teaching artist
- Hands-on work in your discipline (ex: 3D animation, fashion design, video production)
- Field trips, real-world applications, and group projects
- A final exhibition to showcase your work and elevate your voice
- Daily yellow-school-bus pickup & city-bus pass home
Explore Our Studios
3D Art + Animation
Ceramics
Fashion Design
Illustration
Music Production
Photography
Video Production
Key Dates: fall 2026
Studios are first come, first served! Students are placed in studios on a rolling basis.
We recommend turning in your materials ASAP to secure your spot!
- Priority Enrollment Deadline (Returning Students): August 27. This is the last date for returning students to enroll and guarantee their studio spot.
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Fall Semester Enrollment Events: September 3 from 3 – 5 p.m. or September 16 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Come visit WMCAT studios and meet your teaching artists! This kick off event is required for new students and is hosted shortly after students return to school. - Programming Starts: September 21
- Enrollment Closes: September 29
- Fall Exhibition + Programming Ends: December 10
A Day at WMCAT
- When you arrive at WMCAT after school, you’ll be greeted by WMCAT Teen Arts + Tech Program staff and teaching artists and a snack will be provided.
- From 3:00–3:30 p.m. there will be creative activities and guest artist engagements for you to participate in before studios begin. All students are asked to participate after they check in.
- Announcements are shared at 3:30 p.m. and studios begin immediately after.
- When studios end at 5:30 p.m., we can provide a bus pass for you to take The Rapid home, or you can make your own arrangements to get home.
To Enroll: 2 Steps
Complete the Enrollment Form
Complete a Fall 2026 enrollment form with your studio selection, signed by a parent/guardian. The priority deadline is August 27. You may either fill out the online form or paper form:
To turn in your paper form, do one of the following:
- Drop off form at WMCAT M–Th, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Scan and email form to teenprograms@wmcat.org.
- Bring form to an enrollment event
- Bring a parent/guardian to an enrollment event to complete and sign form.
Attend an Enrollment Event
Required for new students. Returning students are welcome!
Choose one date to attend:
SEPTEMBER 3 FROM 3 – 5 P.M.
SEPTEMBER 16 FROM 3 – 5 P.M.
West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology
614 First St. #300 (Third Floor),
See WMCAT’s space, meet staff and teaching artists, and turn in enrollment forms while enjoying refreshments.
Open house style; tours every 20 minutes.