We are now accepting applications for Volunteer Artist Mentors and Volunteer Study Buddies (academic tutors) for the 2026-2027 school year. Mentors are a big part of what makes NUA a creative, welcoming third space for young people. We are seeking volunteers for both of our program sites: the NUA Storefront Studio and NUA Knights (located at Central High School).
About Our Youth Mentorship Programs:
New Urban Arts is a nationally recognized interdisciplinary arts studio for high school students. We offer a drop-in studio space where students can opt into workshops, engage with peers, mentors and staff, or just hang out.
Our mission is to build a vital community that empowers young people as artists and leaders, to develop a creative practice they can sustain throughout their lives.
In 2017, New Urban Arts worked with Central High School to launch NUA Knights, an after school and summer program specifically for Central students. NUA Knights offers 15+ after school programs to students led by teachers, staff, community partners and other nonprofit organizations per year.
Who should apply:
While this opportunity is open to anyone who is excited to work with young people and contribute to a creative community, the needs of our mentor cohort change from year to year. Based on student feedback and the evolving needs of our programs, we may prioritize certain artistic mediums during the selection process.
We encourage you to apply regardless of whether you see yourself reflected in our current areas of need. We value the unique perspectives, lived experiences, and creative practices every artist brings.
We especially encourage you to apply if you have experience with these subjects:
- foundational arts (painting, traditional drawing, color theory, portfolio development
- music production and/or instruments (DAWs/MIDI, guitar, drums, vocals, and/or synthesizers)
- printmaking (screenprinting, linocut)
- textiles (garment work, knitting and crochet)
- digital media (Adobe suite, digital illustration, animation)
- academic support (math and science)
You must be over 18 years old to apply.
What to Expect:
Mentoring youth in the arts at New Urban Arts & NUA Knights is a volunteer position. This is a school-year-long commitment from September 24th – May 21th (with exceptions of holiday recesses on the PPSD calendar). Each volunteer contributes their time (specified by each site below) and also participates in a professional development program of monthly meetings, and a four-day orientation on Sept 24-25. Mentors also receive a small honorarium in appreciation for their contribution.
- NUA Storefront Studio: Two sessions/week, totaling 4.5 hours/week (Tue-Fri 2:00-4:15 pm OR 4:00-6:15 pm)
- NUA Knights: One or two sessions/week, totaling 2.5-5 hours/week (Mon-Thu 2:30-5:00 pm)
Apply ONLINE, or download a PDF and email application and supporting materials with subject headline “Mentor Application” to dana@newurbanarts.org
Because space is limited, submitting an application doesn’t guarantee a mentor position. Every program year, both new and returning mentors go through the application process. Because student voice is central to how we work, our students help review applications, interview candidates, and select each year’s mentor cohort. Selected applicants will be invited to interview as the next step in the process.
We’re excited to learn more about you and appreciate your interest in being part of the NUA community!