About the CASA Grant for Arts & Cultural Activities

The Cultural After-School Adventures program is one of the many out-of-school initiatives taken on by many schools throughout the five boroughs of New York City. This club activity after school allows students to express themselves through cultural representation; and to convey their voice in their art. Many schools take this opportunity to do something beneficial for the school and enhance the minds of many children. The CASA program presents broadway themes in performing arts, art projects to promote the exploration of creativity, and so on.

        This year, our city councilwoman Vickie Paladino granted us the amazing opportunity for the CASA Program! On October 19, 2026, the members of the Civics Club got to attend a meeting with Vickie Paladino in the library. We discussed various topics ranging from growing a community garden to asking about what we can do to express cultural representation in our school. Vickie Paladino describes the Cultural After-School Adventures program that was available to certain schools across New York City, fortunately, we made it to the list on that same day as she handed us CASA grants shortly after the meeting for our school.

        The Cultural After-School Adventures program allows students to express their creativity. This will for sure represent the diversity in our school and allow students to learn about different cultures. This connects the students in a positive way to unite and be proud of their own heritage. This opportunity creates a new official era for the Marie Curie Middle School to improve the diverse clubs in the school, such as the Asian Cultural Club, the Spanish Club, and more possible heritage clubs in the future.

        The CASA Curriculum allows us to have a sense of identity and belonging in this school. It’ll be amazing to have this special offer to represent the different cultures in our community. What will the future of the CASA program in our school hold? Will we do big art projects, perform cultural shows, or even participate in heritage community projects? Whatever we do, we’ll definitely strengthen the diverse community with our voice and bring out the love for our cultures.