Housed in a former Catholic school in the Clay Hill neighborhood of Hartford, The Artists Collective, Inc. has developed a series of multidisciplinary programs for children and youth based on African, West Indian and Latin-American cultural traditions. The Artists Collective, Inc. offers regular classes in dance, music and African percussion, as well as an after-school program in the performing arts and African history; youth receive high-quality arts training and opportunities to perform throughout the school year. The Summer Youth Employment and Training Program prepares disadvantaged young people for employment in both arts-oriented and non-arts-oriented careers. During the 6-week Program, youth study martial arts, dance, African percussion or vocal and instrumental music with professional artists. Students also participate in Life Skills Training, which focuses on job readiness and career development. Receiving minimum wage, the 105 youth are paid from city and foundation job training funds. A culminant production at summer's end includes a side-by-side performance by both professionals and youth.