FRIDA, Inc. runs programs designed on a cohort model that follow students throughout their middle school years.  FRIDA runs original curricula that use fun and innovative methods to teach students.  Programs spark the intellectual and artistic curiosity of our participants, promote teamwork, artistic expression, and public speaking. Programs are held throughout the summer and winter vacations and all conclude with a showcasing at a community-wide gallery as a capstone of participants’ achievement.
 
Year three of FRIDA, Inc., runs on a “university model” to present the college atmosphere to participants.  Students are hosted a local university and given the choice to select majors and minors as well as join clubs. As our program becomes more and more encompassing, so does our exploration of artistic expression. Students move beyond acrylic paints and explore other art forms including: photography, silk screening, mixed media, writing, acrylic, water colors, etc. The program emphasizes the importance of making sound choices, handling responsibility, the value of time management, and culminates the FRIDA, Inc., experience.
 

Our entry-level program focuses on building a strong sense of character and community, while allowing students to contemplate their futures within their community. This program challenges students to view themselves as active members of society, capable of challenging the status quo. Students use acrylic plaint and canvas to illustrate their ideas.

Year two of FRIDA, Inc. challenges participants to use their art as a means of enticing social change. The participants are asked to analyze issues in their community and form a personal opinion. Through the use of acrylics and mixed media, Level 2 participants will create stickers, t-shirts, a collaborative mural, and individual pieces that represent the changes each of them wants to see in their community. The Level 2 program encourages participants to use art as a means of public communication and have their voice heard in the community.

Level 4 is a unique volunteering
opportunity for past participants. The summer after the completion of Level 3, participants are eligible to volunteer as Junior Staff, and they are given the chance to apply the skills that they learned in past programs to mentor students entering Levels 1 & 2.  The Junior Staff works closely with Senior Staff members to learn first hand about the goals and importance of FRIDA, Inc.  At the end of the summer programs Junior Staff members walk away with skills preparing them as future leaders, as well as mentors and positive examples in their community.