Answers to Common Questions

1. What is WMCAT’s mission statement?

   WMCAT’s mission is to provide opportunities for people of all ages to seek, learn, and grow in an environment that will inspire hope and motivate individuals to make positive social change and economic progress in their lives and community.

2. What is the philosophy that governs WMCAT programming?

   Establishing a long-term age appropriate mentoring relationship will foster a student’s desire to learn and grow. Once these relationships have been formed, their imprint contributes to success in school and the workplace.

3. What model is WMCAT following, and why?

   WMCAT follows the model of the Manchester Bidwell Corporation (MBC) with a 40-year record of success in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The MBC is comprised of the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild (MCG) and Bidwell Training Center (BTC). MCG is a multi-disciplinary arts and learning center which primarily serves public school students and fosters a sense of belonging, interconnections, and hope within the urban community. BTC is a market-driven career education program for adults in transition seeking meaningful employment.

4. What does the affiliation with MBC bring to WMCAT?

   The affiliation with MBC allows WMCAT to incorporate the culture, programming methodology, philosophy, and techniques of working with urban youth and adults that MBC has refined over 40 years of experience. A national plan is currently in place that will develop affiliated programs in cities across the country. Affiliated programs currently operate in San Francisco, CA and Cincinnati, OH. The members of this network share programming and operation techniques.

5. Why does art play such a large role in WMCAT’s educational programming?

   Research shows that learning is enabled by connection of the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Art stimulates that connection. Creative problem solving, sequential learning, pattern recognition and how to act on the resulting information – these are the larger learning skills the arts impart, and what will make students better equipped for the jobs of the 21st Century. Beyond that, art is a vehicle for engaging individuals. Lack of learner readiness is a serious problem in today’s schools. Students involved in creative activities – in the joy of art – are much more likely to be ready to learn.

6. If art is the underlying precept of the educational program; what is the underlying precept of the adult training program?

   Imparting focus, personal responsibility, and discipline for adults who seek to improve their lives are key to success at WMCAT. These life skills are necessary to be successful in the work world and are incorporated into programs at WMCAT.

7. Is WMCAT an arts organization, a training program or an economic development organization?

   WMCAT is a hybrid organization that promotes social change and economic growth, with the belief that the community’s future growth is dependent on a knowledgeable workforce committed to continuous education and personal development.

8. What partnerships have WMCAT developed and why?

   WMCAT has developed a strong partnership with the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) to address the needs of urban youth and focus on increasing graduation rates. WMCAT has partnerships with Spectrum Health, Saint Mary’s Health Care, Metro Health and other agencies to train under and unemployed adults for sustainable employment in the health care sector.

9. How many youth students do you serve each year?

   This year WMCAT is entering its fourth year serving students in 9th – 12th grades at Central, Creston, Ottawa Hills and Union High Schools. In 2008-09 WMCAT will serve approximately 300 students attending classes at WMCAT as well as many more students impacted by WMCAT’s Artists-in-the-Schools program. When a student successfully completes WMCAT’s program, he or she earns credit toward graduation.

10. How many adult students do you serve each year?

    WMCAT provides job training in medical coding/billing and pharmacy technician. Each program accepts 12 students each year who are trained over eleven months, graduating in July. Adults who complete job training at WMCAT receive certification based on the requirements of the particular area of study. Over 75% of WMCAT graduates are employed in their field of study. This allows opportunity for economic security for themselves, their families, becoming productive members of society.

11. What are the requirements to get into WMCAT as a youth and as an adult?

    Youth
    Students must be currently enrolled in one of the four GRPS high schools. Ninety percent or more of youth program participants must be considered: 1) Eligible for free or reduced lunch; 2) Academic failures in 2 or more classes; 3) Attendance problems. WMCAT reserves about 10 percent for students with a demonstrated interest in arts and technology that may not otherwise match the criteria above.

    Adults
    The first step for interested applicants is to attend an informational session offered every Monday morning at 9:00 a.m. at WMCAT. Each applicant must have their GED or high school diploma and pass an assessment test and a criminal background check. The target audience for this program is under and unemployed adults.

12. Who are the instructors and where are they from?

    Youth instructors must be craftspeople in their own right with the ability to establish long-term mentoring relationship with urban youth. Instructors may come from all parts of the community and need not be professional artist. Adult instructors must be experts within the field of study being taught. Most instructors will come from partner businesses that will hire the graduates of WMCAT or adjunct instructors from local colleges or schools.

13. Is there a cost to attend the youth or adult programs?

    No. Due to the financial support provided by foundations, corporations and individuals, WMCAT provides all of its programs at no cost to participants.