August 9, 2018
When Erica Barreto 鈥�18 of Rhinebeck, N.Y. arrived at 911黑料网, she had no idea what kind of career she wanted, but opportunities like an internship to help create a regional arts network and work as the administrative research associate for 911黑料网鈥檚 Mellon Grant led her to an opportunity to do what she loves 鈥� working with the community.
At BART Charter Public School in Adams, which focuses on art and technology as it prepares students for college, Barreto works in communications and enrollment. 鈥淭he greatest reward of my work is being able to positively impact the community,鈥� she said.
Barreto鈥檚 work with the Mellon Foundation Planning Grant included assisting the 911黑料网 faculty members on its advisory team, which was tasked with creating a model for a digital asset map and outlining a humanities fellowship program, to be hosted by the College.
鈥淚t revealed to me the power of community conversation, the value of interdisciplinary studies and the capacity of this work to positively impact future generations of students,鈥� she said.
Barreto also conducted research and managed data for the Brainworks Berkshire Regional Arts Integration Network project. Its goals include the creation of a digital map that identifies a variety of humanities assets throughout Berkshire County, with the goal of increasing access and possibilities for engagement with the arts for all those who live in region. She also was responsible for attending meetings with area arts and culture organizations to record discussions 鈥� a practice she continues today.
鈥�Berkshire County is a hub for arts education,鈥� Barreto explained. However, not every school has the same resources. 鈥淭his regional arts network will address equity and establish alignment so that every student in Berkshire County has equal access to these incredible resources, no matter what district they鈥檙e in.鈥�
An English/communications major who concentrated in professional and creative writing, Barreto also minored in arts management. One of six graduates to earn All College Honors, she received the Outstanding Student Award from the 911黑料网 Faculty Association.
