Our Community
We believe in the people-connecting power of music. Our programs allow audiences who frequently lack arts opportunities — such as youth from Philadelphia public schools and people with disabilities — to be active participants in music-making. We love to collaborate and we welcome new partners.“It’s the kind of program that makes one think: ‘This is definitely making the world a better place.’”
—Michi Wiancko, violinist
School-Aged Youth
WCL Education (formerly LiveConnections) was founded to boost music opportunities for public schools, and working with youth remains at the heart of our mission. Each year, we engage approximately 5000 participants through our educational programs, primarily students in grades 2-12 from Philadelphia public schools.
We have built relationships with a broad network of district and charter schools from across the city who bring students to our Bridge Sessions at World Cafe Live. Many schools bring several classrooms or an entire grade to a sequence of Bridge Sessions throughout the school year.
We also collaborate with 3-4 schools each year to develop in-depth school-based programs that complement classroom learning. Students in our residencies have opportunities to increase English Language Arts proficiency and develop 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration and communication.
Recent School Partners
A.S. Jenks Academic Plus, Ardmore Avenue Elementary, F. Amedee Bregy Elementary School, Community Partnership School, Crossroads Accelerated Academy, Discovery Charter School, FACTS Charter School, D. Newlin Fell School, Fitler Academics Plus, Freire Charter School, Freire Middle School, Greenfield Elementary School, Grover Washington Jr. Middle School, Warren G. Harding Middle School, Henry C. Lea Elementary, Hill-Freedman World Academy, James Logan School, Joseph Pennel Elementary, KIPP Philadelphia Charter School, Mastery Charter (Cleveland, Pickett), Olney Charter High School, Philadelphia Learning Academy North, Russell Byers Charter School, Science Leadership Academy, South Philadelphia High School, and Watson Comly School, among others.
People with Disabilities
We prioritize accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities. We partner with Art-Reach, the region’s leading arts accessibility organization, as well as human service organizations and schools, to provide Bridge Sessions and workshops for youth and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. Our programs easily adapt to accommodate different abilities and needs, and allow multiple entry points for participation.
Recent Partners
Art-Reach, Bancroft, Beechwood Neurorehabilitation, Care Pavilion Nursing and Rehabilitation, Comhar, HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy, Einstein – LTSR, Elwyn, Germantown Recovery Community, HopeWorx, Inc., Our Lady of Confidence Day School, Overbrook School for the Blind, Programs Employing People, SpArc Services, St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital, and Warren E. Smith Health Center, among others.
Concert Audiences
Our curated concert series attracts diverse audiences reflecting a range of ages, races/ethnicities, backgrounds and musical interests. We welcome all music-lovers looking for exceptional music with an adventurous, socially engaged perspective.
LiveConnections
is now WCL Education
In 2019, we combined with our long-time partner World Cafe Live to become a single nonprofit organization.
We're proud to continue all of our programs under our new name and logo.
