WE UP: Trash as Treasure is a hands-on creative reuse and design program that introduces participants to sustainable making, tool literacy, and collaborative problem-solving.
Over the course of six weeks, youth step into the role of designers. They transform discarded and low-cost materials into a functional, custom-built lamp—progressing from raw concept development and material selection to structural construction, aesthetic finishing, and a public gallery exhibition.
Support Our Youth
Program Highlights
- Sustainability in Action: Environmental education rooted in creative reuse.
- True Tool Literacy: Practical, hands-on construction skills using real tools.
- Agency & Voice: Amplifying youth confidence through a completed, tangible project.
- Community Connection: A public exhibition to showcase youth talent to the City of Atlanta.
The Curriculum & Journey
Our instruction emphasizes personal safety, responsible tool handling, and shared workspace accountability. Youth gain hands-on experience using adhesives, sealants, screws, drills, hammers, nails, blades, and saws.
Week 1: Foundations, Safety & Spatial Mechanics
Focus: Workspace accountability, proper tool safety protocols, and structural integrity fundamentals.
Activity: Hands-on structural engineering and team-building design challenges using raw component kits.
Week 2: Conceptual Design & Material Sourcing
Focus: The art of upcycling; identifying, selecting, and reclaiming discarded materials for functional design.
Activity: Translating ideas into technical blueprints and exploring sustainable material transformation.
Week 3: Structural Fabrication
Focus: Guided hand and power tool integration, iterative problem-solving, and structural troubleshooting.
Activity: Bringing blueprints to life by constructing the core physical frameworks.
Week 4: Surface Artistry & Finish
Focus: Learning how to balance personal aesthetic style with functional design.
Activity: Material preparation, painting, staining, and sealing.
Week 5: Functional Integration & Fine Craftsmanship
Focus: Intricate detailing, electrical safety basics, and building creative confidence through tangible execution.
Activity: Installing the final design elements, technical wiring, and illuminative components.
Week 6: The Showcase, Exhibition & Reflection
Focus: Creative storytelling, public speaking, and articulating the design process to city stakeholders, partners, and peers.
Activity: Final cohort reflection leading into a public community gallery exhibition.
Driven by Impact:
Our Goals
We don’t just create art—we prove outcomes. Through a rigorous evaluation plan utilizing pre/post participant surveys, instructor observation logs, and photo documentation, WE UP targets the following success metrics by graduation:
85%+ Skill Development Participants demonstrate independent, safe tool use, basic construction techniques, and design planning skills.
80%+ Environmental Stewardship Youth demonstrate an increased understanding of reuse, waste reduction, and sustainable material practices in Metro Atlanta.
85%+ Creative Confidence Participants successfully complete a functional, self-designed lamp and confidently articulate their creative process to the public.
90%+ Stakeholder Satisfaction Positive feedback from participants, families, instructors, and community viewers.
Help Us Light Up Atlanta’s Next Generation of Creators!
Our youth are ready to build, but it takes a village to power this level of hands-on creativity. Whether you have extra supplies in your garage, a desire to invest financially, or creative skills to share, your support puts high-quality arts education and practical engineering directly into the hands of Metro Atlanta teens.
Choose how you want to make an impact today:
Option 1: Supply the Studio (Material Donations)
We are actively collecting clean, discarded materials to feed our makerspace. If you have old lamps, architectural scrap wood, tools, or unused paint, give them a second life through our youth!
Option 2: Fuel the Impact (Financial Sponsorship)
Every student deserves their own quality tools. A financial gift helps us purchase safe, professional-grade maker kits (safety gear, drills, sanders, and hardware) that youth use throughout the 6-week cohort.
Option 3: Share Your Skills (Volunteer & Artist Mentors)
Are you a local artist, builder, or passionate community member? We are looking for artisans and volunteers to assist during build sessions or share their expertise as guest mentors. Fill out our quick form to join the crew!
This initiative is developed in alignment with the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs organizational grant standards, ensuring high-quality arts education reaches underserved youth across Metro Atlanta.
