“CATA helps instill my students with confidence. They can talk to people. They can be independent. They know they have something to give.”

CATA in the Schools provides arts workshops to elementary, middle, and high school students in special education and alternative learning programs in nine school districts. Many of these students do not participate in mainstream art classes and, without CATA, would have little exposure to the arts in their curriculum.

In many cases, CATA provides additional support as students transition out of high school, working with special education teachers on I.E.P.’s (Individual Education Plans) and offering continued access to CATA workshops after graduation.

Thanks to you, CATA partners with 9 school districts across Berkshire County, MA and Columbia County, NY including:

Berkshire Hills Regional School District
Central Berkshire Regional School District
Hoosac Valley Regional School District
Lee Public Schools
Lenox Public Schools
North Adams Public Schools
Pittsfield Public Schools
Southern Berkshire Regional School District
Taconic Hills Central School District

In 2024-2025, CATA is providing VSA Arts Connect All Workshops through CATA in the Schools, under a contract with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. That means your support will go further to bring arts programs to students with disabilities across the Berkshires!