****The Community Unity Music, Media, and Arts Program is an afterschool and summer program that provides low to no cost multicultural instruction in music, video production, and other art forms. The music program is primarily aimed at youth ages 6-12, and the video production program is for middle school students. The music program offers group and individual instruction in piano/keyboard, African percussion, singing, violin, cello, guitar and more. Directors are Fe Nunn, local jazz musician and teacher at Ithaca's Boynton Middle School, and Dr. Baruch Whitehead, professor of multicultural music education at Ithaca College. Teaching assistance is provided by Ithaca College music students and a number of local musicians and artists. The video production program is run by Gossa Tsegaye, professor of video production and documentary film at Ithaca College's Park School of Communication. Program youth participate in instructional sessions at Southside Community Center and Ithaca College, perform at numerous public events, and attend concerts, screenings, and other relevant events in the community. Visit the CUMEP Web site.

****Unity Studio is a non-profit recording studio that offers after school classes to area students and free recording time to community members.  Classes are currently being offered in Pro Tools recording software, lyric writing, singing, and beat making.  Classes are taught by Program Coordinator Dani DiCiaccio and student volunteers from Ithaca College and Cornell.  All community members are invited to take advantage of eight free recording hours with a student or volunteer engineer.  Unity Studio often hosts discussions and events for students and adults so check back often to see what’s up.  Visit the Unity Studio Site HERE

Contact Dani DiCiaccio at ddiciaccio@sscc-ithaca.org with questions.

****Southside Computer Lab — a computer lab, with 10 computers and contemporary teaching technology — the product of a collaboration with the Cornell Ithaca Partnership — student volunteers assist with programming and maintenance from Ithaca College and Cornell University — used for youth and adult educational programs. Visit the Southside Computer Lab Site HERE

Contact Vinnie Sierra (vsierra@sscc-ithaca.org) for any questions.

****Recycle Ithaca Bicycles (RIBs) — a long running program that teaches bicycle maintenance, safety, and sustainability — donated bikes are refurbished – involves approximately 250 community youth every year and over 200 adults. Visit the RIBs Site HERE

Contact Mustafa Ali (mali@sscc-ithaca.org) for more information.

****Homework Support — a weekday homework support club for elementary and middle school students — offered by and in collaboration with volunteers and local college students.

****Summer Youth Camp — a day camp designed for elementary school aged children that includes field trips, arts and crafts, cooking, and culture enrichment activities.

****Open Gym — supervised weekday recreation for school aged children.

****Healthy Pet Clinic — a low cost pet-care clinic offered to low-income residents by Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

****Senior Shopping Program — a program offered in conjunction with the Tompkins County Office for the Aging to help low-income seniors who face mobility challenges.

****Food Pantry — a food distribution program for low-income families with assistance from the Food Bank of the Southern Tier.

****Juneteenth Celebration — an annual celebration of this national event symbolizing the end of slavery — a day-long event involving music performances, a street fair, food and crafts vendors, and more.

****Kwanzaa Celebration — an African American and Pan African cultural celebration which occurs the seven days and nights between December 26 and January 1 each year — Kwanzaa is rooted in seven Swahili principles that connect a rich historical past to present reflection and the development of personal and community goals.

****Black History Month Lecture Series — each year in February the Center sponsors a series of weekly lectures/events as part of the national recognition of African American contribution, pride, struggle, and success.

For more information about any of the above programs visit the Southside Main Events/Activities Site HERE or contact Kirtrina Baxter (kbaxter@sscc-ithaca.org)