Since 1978, the Ark has provided comprehensive programming to the children and young adults from Taylor Apartments and the surrounding low-income community. The counseling, crisis-intervention and advocacy components of the Ark programming have existed at Taylor since 1971; the fine arts and related components since 1978. The introduction of the Electronic Arts Program in 2002 expanded our curriculum to include animation, video, graphic design, and web design. This successful new program reflects the Ark’s commitment to integrate technology into its arts and educational programs.

In August 2000, The Ark received the HUD Best Practices Award. A HUD Best Practice is defined as a program or project, management tool, and/or technique that: Generates a significant positive impact on those it is intended to serve or manage; Is replicable in other areas of the country, region, or local Jurisdiction; Demonstrates the effective use of partnerships among government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private businesses; Displays creativity in addressing a problem, and demonstrates effective leveraging of resources.

In July 2001, the Ark received a grant from Listen Up! to create four youth produced public service announcements (PSA). By creating these messages, Listen Up! producers are learning important life and communication skills. They are portraying themselves and their peers in a positive light, on their own terms, and in their own voices. Visit our page on the Listen Up! website.

In January, 2002, Elizabeth Press, video instructor at the Ark, took a leave to travel to the Dominican Republic to create a youth video production program similar to the one she has created at the Ark. Elizabeth's work, funded by a Fulbright Scholarship, links youth from the Dominican Republic and youth from the Ark in a cultural exchange through video production. In the summer of 2002, one young adult from the Ark's video program joined Elizabeth Press and her youth video program in the Dominican Republic for a video and cultural exchange funded by Elizabeth's Fulbright scholarship.

Two young adults from the Ark, Charlie and Quashaia, are currently enrolled in the Masters Boarding School in Dobbs Ferry. Monyette graduated from Masters in June and now attends St. Lawrence University. Monyette was president of his sophomore class and president of student government at Masters. Many graduates from the Ark are now going on to college in the field of communications and education. Santa Iveliz is a junior at Russell Sage College and is pursuing a degree in elementary education with a concentration in Spanish. In 2001, Marc graduated from Cornell University and is currently enrolled as a law student at Georgetown University. Marc returns to us during his vacations to encourage the young men and women at the Ark to stay in school and follow in his footsteps. In 2003, Tealye graduated from LeMoyne College and with a dual degree in education and psychology. In 2003, Destiny begins her senior year at RPI. Destiny was awarded a full scholarship and is currently in the Electric Media Arts program. Ivan received the “Capital Region Sponsor A Scholar” award; he has been accepted at and will attend the College of Saint Rose in 2004.