Two decades ago, Cincinnati Arts and Technology Studios (CATS) opened their doors at Longworth Hall. Partnering with Cincinnati Public School (CPS), CATS served at risk high school students and marginalized adults and created immediate success with an average of 93% of active seniors graduating from high school since inception. There is significant research which supports the educational value of art instruction which wholly benefits transition-aged learning. With positive measured results in emotional and cognitive empathy, school engagement, and writing skills, art learning positively affects meaningful educational outcomes and can inform strategies to restore and retain arts education in under-resourced schools. CATS’ curriculum is designed to meet Ohio Department of Education visual arts standards, help students to develop skills needed for success in college and career. The program is available to high school juniors, seniors, and overage under-classmen from school districts throughout Cincinnati and Hamilton County.
Since 2003, CATS has made an impact on the Cincinnati community.
- Serve 9th – 12th grade students with a 12:2 class ratio.
- Since 2003, 93% of CATS active senior students have graduated from high school.
- Over 5,200 students have been served.
- $550 million has been saved by enabling students to graduate.
- 97% of CATS students are economically disadvantaged.
- Roughly 50% of students have an IEP (Individual Education Plan for a documented academic or learning need).
- Over $110,000 in scholarships have been granted to CATS graduating seniors who are pursuing higher education degrees.
- 120 students have been placed in jobs since Bridging the Gap program started in 2006.
CATS estimates continued growth.
Merging with Best Point in 2020, CATS has grown exponentially. After completing a capital campaign, CATS expanded the Madisonville campus with state-of-the-art studios, including Digital Media, 2-D Design, and Ceramics, and updated its programming to serve more students across more districts.
- Ready access to support STEM and fine arts education to Best Point populations of high schoolers.
- New access is available to Best Point’s existing network of 30 school districts and is most relevant for those whose graduation statistics demonstrate a need and align with CATS historical success record.
- Renewed access to CPS students working with their new Superintendent and advancing leadership in addition to maximizing opportunities through Kids in School Rule (KISR!) and Jobs and Families Services.
Part of CATS success is its partnership with local artists and art organizations. CATS was blessed to start the 2023 summer Art Education program featuring visiting artist, Ryan Newman, Innovative Director for LPK and Adjunct Professor for the University of Cincinnati’s DAAP (College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning) program introducing students to the topic of Design Thinking.
Enrollment for the school year will begin in early August and classes start in September. Students can obtain up to a full credit (for Fine Arts or as an elective) by attending one time per week (2-hour studio session) for the semester. Studio sessions meet between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Cost is $720 per semester.
For inquiries call 513.836.4816 or email us at CATS@bestpoint.org.
