education

CAAM's Education Department strives to enhance the cultural interests of individuals and groups. As educators, our focus is to provide a variety of learning experiences to a variety of audiences, to serve as a resource for diverse communities, to broaden public awareness of the artistic, historical and cultural contributions of African Americans and to assist other organizations promoting the growth of human potential.

Lectures, films and symposia

The Museum's curators specifically tailor talks, participatory dialogues, and films, most often related to special exhibits. These activities open discussion and challenge established perspectives. Readings and performances by artists, historians, writers and poets add to CAAM's offerings.

Docent training

Bi-annually the California African American Museum looks for diverse and talented individuals interested in joining our corps of volunteer museum docents. Docents lead tours for all age groups, may assist Gallery Educators in art workshops, interact with docents from other institutions, and act as museum ambassadors to the public. Candidates are required to participate in a series of docent training sessions. Click here for an application.

Weekends at the museum

CAAM welcomes families and individuals to participate in our free weekend programming. Art workshops, talks, documentary screenings, demonstrations, performances and special events such as those celebrating MLK weekend are offered nearly every weekend. Please check the CAAM calendar for descriptions, times and dates.

YOUNG DOCENT SUMMER PROGRAM 2010

Each summer the California African American Museum (CAAM) exposes students ages 15-18 to the world of being a museum professional and offers the opportunity for real work experiences. CAAM's Young Docent Program begins June 29, 2010 with an intensive, two-week summer training in which students gain specialized knowledge of museum exhibitions and programs. Click here to print an application. Click here to print the procedures.

To apply, send to us by May 13, 2010 the following:
1) A typed personal statement about yourself and why you would like to be a Young Docent
2) A letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor or school principal
3) A completed application.

Mail all three items to:

California African American Museum

Young Docent Program

Attention: Elise Woodson

600 State Drve, Exposition Park

Los Angeles, CA 90037

Deadline, May 13, 2010

Young Docent Program 2010

Application Deadline: May 13, 2010
Interviews: May 15 - May 22
Instructional Training: June 29 - July 10
Written Examination: July 13
Oral Examination: July 14 - July 15
Art Project: July 20 - 21
Gallery Services: July 13 - August 21
Certificate Ceremony: August 21

To be eligible for the Youg Docents Summer Program candidate must be available for training and work in gallery services through August 14th.

Once candidates are selected, they must obtain the following mandatory items:

1. T.B. Skin test

2. Fingerprinting (State of California)

3. A work permit

Summer Technology Arts Program for High School Students

CAAM is seeking 15 students from area high schools to participate in a FREE, four-week, Saturday technology graphic arts program for students with some basic computer literacy and at least a 2.5 grade average. Learn about graphic art design and meet industry executives!

If you or someone you know are interested and qualify, please download the application here and send it back immediately to Karla Leyva. Applications should be submitted with a copy of student transcripts (or copy of last report card) and a list of academic achievements. The deadline for receipt of applications has been extended to July 10. Send to: Karla Leyva, Education, California African American Museum, 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, and Los Angeles, CA 90037. She may also be reached by fax: 213.744.2050 or email: kleyva@caamuseum.org.

Classes will be held July 18 and 25; August 1 and 8. Students must commit to all four classes and arrive on time. This pilot program is made possible through a generous contribution from Verizon. Click here to print an application