Art and music has the power to transform lives and enrich educational experiences, and this is evident in the partnership between Burrowes Elementary School and South Central PaARTners. Burrowes Elementary had the privilege of hosting Alex “Wednesday” Colon, a resident artist through South Central PaARTners, a program affiliated with Millersville University. This collaboration brought a fresh wave of creativity and inspiration to the school, leaving a lasting impact on both students and teachers alike.
South Central PaARTners is dedicated to placing skilled teaching artists in immersive residencies within K-12 public schools, senior centers, and community organizations throughout Lancaster and surrounding counties. The program boasts a diverse roster of artists from various disciplines, including writers, dancers, musicians, and more. Their mission extends beyond mere artistry; it encompasses arts-in-education advocacy, community outreach, and the cultivation of rich learning opportunities for students and educators.
Dr. Alex Rohrer, our Community School Director at Burrowes ES, shares his enthusiasm for this program, stating, “I had heard about the program as it operated at Price Elementary in the past. Additionally, his aunt works here at the school, so she connected me with Alex Colon directly. We set up a meeting and determined his hip-hop and poetry programming would be a perfect fit for our fourth-grade classrooms.” Through collaboration with South Central PaARTners and Millersville University, we were able to bring this enriching program to our students, with funding support shared between the program and the school. “I am passionate about bringing unique and creative opportunities to our students. I am so appreciative of Wednesday’s energy and dedication to enriching our students’ experiences.”
During his residency, Alex Colon engaged with over 50 students, creating a safe and inspiring space for artistic exploration. Mrs. Jessica Styers, a fourth-grade teacher, highlights the impact of his presence, stating, “He created a safe space to take risks in writing, art, music, while providing content that is addressed in 4th grade. The students looked forward to his visits each week and were always willing to participate in what he asked them to do because of his rapport with the students.”
Alexander Colon, also known as Worldwide Wednesday, brought not only his talents as a hip-hop artist, songwriter, and producer but also his dedication to empowering emerging artists. As the founder and CEO of The Ripple Effect, Alexander is a visionary entrepreneur and community leader, actively shaping the creative landscape of Lancaster. Through The Ripple Effect, he has organized events, festivals, and student programming that celebrate creativity and provide invaluable learning experiences for aspiring artists.
Beyond his role as a teaching artist, Alexander Colon, also known as Worldwide Wednesday, is a visionary entrepreneur and community leader. As the founder and CEO, he has tirelessly worked to connect artists to opportunities through curated experiences, leaving an indelible mark on the local arts scene.
Through initiatives like music festivals, conferences, and student programming, Alexander Colon has not only celebrated creativity but also provided invaluable learning experiences for aspiring artists. His dedication to mentorship ensures that the next generation of artists is equipped with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in the music industry and beyond.
At Burrowes Elementary School, we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with South Central PaARTners and artists like Alexander Colon, who inspire creativity, foster learning, and empower our students to reach new heights. Through partnerships like these, we continue to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive learning environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive.