idealist.org

Publicolor is a not-for-profit organization
started in 1996 as a way to engage at-risk
students in their education. Since our
inception, we have involved thousands of
low-performing students in the
transformations of 50 innercity public
schools and 40 neglected community sites
such as health clinics, shelters and police
precincts. The results gained from such a
simple idea are both surprising and
gratifying.

Publicolor uses the power of color,
collaboration and completion to catalyze
change in underserved public schools and
ravaged nearby facilities. Our goal is to not
only change the appearance of physical
environments but also change the attitude
and academic performance of innercity
students, thereby improving their prospects
as productive members of our workforce.
Students who paint with us gain self-
confidence, master an income-producing
skill, and develop excellent work habits. And
they become leaders in communities where
hopelessness affects the attitudes and
performance of many people.

Publicolor has a three-fold initiative; an
after school program called the Paint
Club, a Saturday apprenticeship
program called the Color Club, and a
program called NEXT STEPS. The
focus of both clubs is to re-engage
at-risk youth in their education
through the painting process.
Publicolor's youngsters are taught
leadership skills and the value of
both responsible behavior and
initiative. Students are taught to work
like young professionals, learning
the value of color and collaboration to
effect positive change. With NEXT STEPS,
we work with the youngsters to secure
internships, jobs or assist with the college
application process.