best cooking programs in Worcester, MA

What began in a humble New York City apartment with just a single student, Spark, has since blossomed into an enriching program impacting thousands of children. Our unique educational approach combines the elements of art, yoga, meditation, and nature to create a holistic learning environment. This distinctive blend is what sets Spark apart, allowing us to reach and inspire a multitude of children in truly meaningful ways. With an array of offerings to accommodate various schedules and needs, Spark has something for everyone. Our services extend beyond the standard after school and weekend classes to include holiday and summer camps, birthday parties, portfolio preparation, private classes, and custom pods. We also welcome homeschool groups and are thrilled to announce the recent addition of a forest school program to our repertoire. You can find Spark on-site in various schools and at our main studio located in the Upper West Side. But we're not stopping there - we're also planning to expand to the Upper East Side and Brooklyn. For our families in Pennsylvania, we run the program from our family studio there. And if you're not in close proximity to any of our locations, don't worry. We offer in-home instruction and virtual options to ensure that Spark can reach you, no matter where you are. We invite you to explore all the ways you can experience Spark and look forward to helping bring our program to you.

All programs are held on the school's picturesque campus in Worcester, MA, serving families in Worcester, Shrewsbury, Holden, and Central MA. At Bancroft Summer Programs, children can explore their passions and enhance their skills. From exploring robotics and engineering to honing in on their writing skills and participating in outdoor activities, Bancroft Summer Programs provide a range of opportunities for children to learn and grow. For high schoolers, the Bancroft Summer Institute is the perfect opportunity to challenge themselves and get a jump-start on college credits. With a variety of courses to choose from, ranging from engineering and mathematics to music theory and creative writing, students are sure to find something that fits their interests. Located on Bancroft School's beautiful campus in Worcester, MA, Bancroft Summer Programs provide a unique learning experience for children and teens from Worcester, Shrewsbury, Holden, and Central MA. With a variety of day camps, enrichment programs, and high school courses and workshops, Bancroft Summer Programs offer something for everyone.

Mass Academy stands out as the only public high school in Massachusetts whose students attend a prestigious university full-time as seniors in high school. With the opportunity to enroll in classes at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), a nationally ranked engineering school, Academy students have the opportunity to explore a variety of topics in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as part of their senior year curriculum. To ensure a well-rounded education, Mass Academy also encourages extracurricular involvement among its students, both on campus and at their sending schools. From biotechnology to kickboxing, from robotics to theater, there are plenty of activities for students to choose from, giving them the opportunity to explore their passions and develop their skills. With a focus on project-based learning and extracurricular involvement, Mass Academy provides a unique educational experience for its students.

The Worcester Housing Authority (WHA) is working hard to ensure the success of its neighborhood youth. Through the Learning Center program, WHA is providing afterschool homework assistance to students who need extra help in their education. With the help of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), St. John’s and South High Schools, WHA is able to offer small group tutoring for students. At the Joy of Music Program, WHA is giving selected students the opportunity to join the Choral and Musical Movement program in Worcester for one day every week. To make sure they are well taken care of, WHA is providing students with a snack and dinner daily. The Learning Center is located at 35 and 45 Freedom Way and runs from 2:30 to 5:00pm, Monday to Thursday. Transportation assistance is also provided to Curtis Residents.

Through our unique mentorship program, children and youth are given the opportunity to develop the social and emotional skills required to successfully navigate life and build resilience. The one-to-one mentoring relationships formed between Bigs and Littles create a safe space and provide a consistent, positive presence in the lives of the youth we serve. These relationships are professionally supported and focus on enriching the lives of youth in our communities and building brighter futures. The activities that Bigs and Littles engage in can range from the simple to the complex. Working on homework, attending a sporting event, taking a hike or walk, cooking a healthy meal, and doing a science experiment are just a few of the activities that Bigs and Littles can do together on a weekly basis. These activities provide a consistent and positive presence in the lives of these children and youth, while also providing an opportunity to learn and grow under the guidance of a reliable, caring adult. Through our mentoring program, we are helping youth to build resilience, mental health, and well-being. We are also helping to create a safe and supportive environment where youth can build the social and emotional skills they need to be successful in life. Our professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships are helping to shape brighter futures for the youth in our communities.

Our professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring program is designed to help children build resilience, mental health, and well-being in their lives. Through this program, volunteers act as mentors to children who may come from a disadvantaged background and lack the supportive adult relationships they need. Each week, these pairs spend quality time together doing a variety of activities, from homework help to sporting events to outdoor activities. The goal of this program is to provide a consistent adult presence in the life of the mentee, encouraging them to reach their fullest potential. This program is a great way to help build brighter futures for the youth in our communities. Through the support of a caring adult, these children can develop the social and emotional skills they need to lead successful lives. Mentees can gain confidence, learn to handle difficult situations, and develop better communication skills. The positive effects of this program will last long into the future, enriching the lives of not only the children involved but those of their families and the entire community.