EN-RICH-MENT Leaders Embark on AI and Arts Education Journey

Local Leaders Embrace AI and Arts Education to Empower Canton Youth

Part 1 of 2: How AI and Arts Education Are Taking Root at EN-RICH-MENT

Betty Smith and Aurora Ross have devoted most of their lives to teaching young people - especially those from homes and communities where opportunity isn't always plentiful. Their dedication shows in the rhythmic beats of drums and melodic brass sounds that fill EN-RICH-MENT's Canton facility nearly every afternoon.

In early Spring 2025, they will trade their usual roles as teachers for a chance to become students themselves. Their mission: to master the fundamentals of artificial intelligence to improve their work at EN-RICH-MENT, a Canton-based arts organization that offers free fine and performing arts classes, leadership workshops and training to youth ages 5 to 18.

Smith, founder of EN-RICH-MENT, and Ross, program director, share a knowing laugh when asked about their current understanding of AI. "We're complete beginners," Smith admits with characteristic candor. Yet, they are both excited, believing that every new skill they learn could open up fresh possibilities for the young students they serve.

"We're really excited about the possibilities," says Smith, who has nurtured EN-RICH-MENT's growth from a simple idea into one of Canton's largest and most successful out-of-school providers. "Our students are growing up in a world where AI is becoming increasingly important, and we want to make sure we're equipped to guide them effectively."

The duo's enthusiasm stems not just from the potential educational benefits, but also from the practical applications AI could bring to their organization. They hope AI tools could enhance EN-RICH-MENT's operations, helping them secure more grant funding, amplify their community outreach efforts, and streamline administrative tasks that currently consume precious time they'd rather spend with students.

EN-RICH-MENT has been a cornerstone of youth development in Canton, providing music education, performance opportunities, and mentorship to students who might not otherwise have access to such programs. Their work extends beyond music, fostering leadership skills, self-confidence, and community engagement among their young participants.

Ross, whose eyes light up when talking about her students' achievements, sees the AI training as an opportunity to bridge traditional arts education with modern technology. "Our students are naturally curious about technology, and they're already asking questions about AI. This training will help us answer those questions and potentially incorporate AI tools into our teaching methods."

The upcoming training with AI Owl promises to cover a comprehensive range of topics, from basic AI concepts to practical applications. Both women approach the training with the same enthusiasm they hope to instill in their students - a willingness to embrace new challenges and learn from them.

"One of our main goals is to find ways to make our programs even more accessible and engaging," Smith explains, gesturing to the practice rooms where young musicians are perfecting their craft. "If AI can help us better track student progress, customize learning experiences, or even assist with grant writing, that means more time and resources we can dedicate to our students."

As Smith and Ross prepare to begin their AI training journey, they remain focused on their organization's core mission: using music and arts to transform young lives. Their commitment to learning new skills mirrors the growth mindset they encourage in their students every day.

Up NEXT

In our next installment, we'll catch up with Smith and Ross after their AI Owl training to learn about their experiences, insights gained, and plans for implementing their new knowledge at EN-RICH-MENT. Their journey represents not just personal growth, but a bridge between traditional arts education and the technological future their students will inherit.