Elementary & Middle School Mentoring Through Art
Elementary & Middle School Mentoring Through Art
The Elementary and Middle School Mentoring Through Art program uses creative expression as a way to build intergenerational relationships, foster emotional growth, and develop resilience. By combining structured mentoring with high-level artmaking, the program creates a safe space where students and volunteers can explore ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another. A professional artist leads the sessions, ensuring that every activity is both educational and inspiring.
Students in grades 5–8 collaborate with older-adult mentors and the teaching artist to explore artmaking as a path for dialogue, emotional expression, and personal growth. Through drawing, painting, sculpture, journaling, and group projects, students strengthen their confidence, creativity, and coping tools. No previous art experience is necessary—only a desire to learn, create, and engage in meaningful intergenerational friendships.
When/where
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Thursdays, 3:30–5:00 PM at Gaithersburg Elementary School
Core components
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Creative Expression as a Tool for Growth Students engage in painting, sculpting, storytelling, poetry, journaling, and movement-based projects that encourage emotional expression, resilience, and problem-solving.
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Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Emotional Intelligence Sessions include emotional check-ins and community agreements, helping students identify, express, and regulate their feelings while building empathy.
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Intergenerational Mentorship & Community Building older-adult mentors provide guidance and encouragement, fostering trust, teamwork, and meaningful cross-generational relationships.
Outcomes
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Students develop stronger emotional intelligence, learning to identify, express, and manage their feelings.
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Students build confidence, self-esteem, and belief in their creative abilities. Each student completes a final multi-week art project that reflects growth in resilience, patience, and self-efficacy.
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Students form trusted relationships with older-adult mentors, fostering connection and mutual support.
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The program nurtures a greater sense of belonging, helping students feel more connected to peers, mentors, and their community.