The Beacon Street Gallery and Theatre started the Art Jobs Program to provide youth with the opportunity to learn about poetry, music, dance, painting, photography and other arts while making positive changes in their lives. Realizing that the needs of the immigrant community should be addressed, the Gallery developed the Cultural Heritage Program. In this Program, participants learn both the history and the art forms of different cultures, frequently becoming members of the Marimba Ensemble, West Indies Dance Troupe or the Laotian Dance or Cambodian Dance groups. Both Programs meet at the Gallery twice a week for 10 weeks, with a core group of participants continuing for several 10-week sessions. Teachers who identify any behavioral problems are backed up with support from a social service agency. "The Programs are keeping the kids in school as well as getting those who have dropped out back in school," says Executive Director Patricia Murphy. "Some have gone on to college, and others have entered vocational training programs."