Poly Arts for Youth (PAFY) is Cal Poly Arts’ education enrichment program for K-12 students. Our world-class touring artists engage directly with children in their own schools allowing for rich cultural and artistic workshop experiences that extend the performing arts beyond the stage. PAFY is vital because students who have access to arts education have better grade point averages, score better on standardized tests in reading and math and have lower dropout rates.
During the 2024-25 Cal Poly Arts Season, PAFY held 10 in-person workshops impacting over 2,300 students!
Are you a K-12 Educator in the San Luis Obispo or Northern Santa Barbara County?
Do you think your students would benefit from a professional artist coming to your classroom?
Keep scrolling to see some of the incredible artists that visited California’s Central Coast this past season
and learn how you can make these experiences a reality for your school!
POLY ARTS FOR YOUTH 2024/25 SEASON
Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar, a vibrant and acclaimed ensemble known for their spirited performances of traditional Mexican mariachi music, brought the rich cultural heritage of Mexico directly to over 1,000 students at Jiménez Elementary in Santa Maria. Accompanied by two folklórico dancers from Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande, the ensemble’s in-school performance showcased the vibrant music and dance traditions of the region, offering students a unique and immersive cultural experience.
At San Benito Elementary in Atascadero, third graders participated in a lively circus movement workshop led by ARC Circus Co-Founders. Students played movement games inspired by animal motions, jumped through hoops, and practiced juggling with scarves. They also learned basic jump rope tricks and explored the importance of listening and clear communication—essential skills in circus performance. The workshop offered a fun, hands-on introduction to circus arts, blending physical activity with creativity and teamwork.
If you think a program such as these would be a good fit for your students and school, please sign up to receive our educator communications. You will be notified as soon as the 2025/26 program are announced as well as additional resources and performance opportunities for you and your students.
Please be aware, workshop availability is based on a variety of factors including artist availability and venue requirements. Thank you!
Thanks to our generous donors, these programs are available at no cost to the schools.
Program Sponsors
For more information on how to support these artist engagement opportunities for students, contact Maria Taylor at mtaylo83@calpoly.edu
JazzREACH, an organization dedicated to arts education and jazz appreciation, visited the Morro Bay High School Jazz Band for an advanced clinic tailored to student musicians. Led by members of the Metta Quintet, the workshop featured live demonstrations and insights into key elements of jazz performance, such as improvisation and ensemble communication. Students performed and received direct coaching and constructive critiques from the professional artists, helping them refine their skills and deepen their understanding of jazz as a collaborative art form.