STUDIO APPRENTICE PROGRAM
The Studio Apprentice Program (SAP) is BYA's core youth program, a paid creative job training experience for young people ages 14–21 in Baltimore. Apprentices earn wages while building real skills in screen printing, graphic design, fine arts, and other creative trades, all while developing the leadership, professionalism, and confidence they need to thrive beyond the studio.
How SAP Works
Hands-On Training Apprentices learn professional creative skills — from screen printing to graphic design — through real projects with real deadlines. Every session is structured like a working studio more than a classroom.
Paid Experience Youth are compensated for their time and labor. BYA believes young people deserve to be paid for the work they do, and that earning while learning builds dignity and financial literacy.
Mentorship & Support Apprentices work alongside artist-mentors who provide guidance both in and outside the studio. We build long-lasting relationships that span adolescence and early adulthood.
Career & Life Skills Beyond art-making, apprentices develop communication, teamwork, time management, and entrepreneurial skills.
Who is the Studio Apprentice Program For?
SAP is open to Baltimore youth ages 14–21. You don't need any art experience. The only requirement is that you're willing to try.
Along the way, apprentices build skills that go far beyond the studio: project management, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, time management, customer service, and financial literacy. Whatever comes next, whether it is a creative career, college, a trade, or starting your own business, you leave SAP more prepared for it.
Learn More and Get Involved
Interested in joining SAP or know a young person who would be a great fit? Get in touch, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at info@bmoreyoutharts.org