About

Expose people to an inspirational atmosphere and they will be inspired.

It almost sounds too simplistic, but it works. And it all started back in Pittsburgh with a man named Bill Strickland and the idea that environment can change people, their attitudes and their lives.

The idea behind WMCAT is to create a mutually respectful culture between instructors and students… a culture that treats people with dignity and respect and affirms their sense of self-worth… that offers opportunity to urban youth and a fresh start to adults.

Here, we give our students a chance to experience something new. We fill the hallways with student's art as motivation and proof of something better. We’re enthusiastic and nurturing. We don't just teach, we mentor. And give praise for a job well done.

This is the environment we create at WMCAT, one of enthusiasm and hope, and we've housed it in a world-class facility filled with all sorts of cool art and technology. We find that when students are in an environment that asks more of them, they want to give more in order to meet those expectations.  When both youth and adults see exactly what they're capable of, they thrive — not only in our environment but in all areas of their lives.

Success here is measured in more than numbers.
It's measured in the quality of life our youth and adults are able to enjoy in their communities.