This spring, Northern Clay Center welcomed six groups of students from Focus Beyond Transition Services (FBTS) for a series of handbuilding workshops. Between March 4 and April 22, approximately 60 young adults traveled from Saint Paul to our studio in Minneapolis using Metro Transit as part of their Community Navigation programming.
Focus Beyond Transition Services serves Saint Paul Public Schools students ages 18–22 who have completed their high school coursework but continue to work toward individualized transition goals. FBTS is a Title I program, serving students through the federal government’s largest education program designed to support schools with high percentages of students from low-income families and ensure all students have access to a high-quality education. The program bridges the gap between high school and independent adulthood, helping young adults develop the skills needed for employment, community participation, and everyday life.
The Community Navigation program teaches students how to safely travel throughout the Twin Cities using public transportation. Students build confidence by planning routes, riding buses, and learning to independently access workplaces, schools, and community destinations. Their visit to Northern Clay Center became one of those community destinations.
The partnership began with an email from teacher Rachel Peterson, who recalled visiting Northern Clay Center several years ago. She hoped to return with a new group of students—including individuals who are blind, have visual impairments, or use wheelchairs—and provide another opportunity to create with clay together.
Students with a wide range of abilities worked alongside experienced teaching artist Erin Holt in a welcoming studio environment designed to support individual learning styles. Each group created textured mugs—a perfect introductory project for both first-time clay artists and those with previous experience. The focus was not simply on making mugs, but on exploring clay, expressing creativity, and working alongside peers in a professional ceramic studio.
Staff members noticed the impact immediately. “Erin was wonderful,” one educator shared. “Northern Clay does a great job making accommodations for our students’ needs.” Another added, “I hope we can go back again next year!”
Students found their own ways to describe the experience. “It was fun working with my hands,” one participant said. “I loved making the designs in the clay” shared another.
At Northern Clay Center, we believe community partnerships succeed when they meet people where they are—whether that means bringing clay into a classroom or welcoming learners into our studio. Every partnership looks a little different, but each one creates opportunities for creativity, connection, and belonging.
To help keep programs like this one accessible for all, please donate to keep the Outreach program thriving. You can support NCC in many ways— by becoming a member, donating directly to Outreach, planned giving, volunteering, booking a private party and more. Click here to learn more and make a donation today.
If your school, organization, or community group is interested in partnering with Northern Clay Center, we’d love to help create a program that meets your community’s unique goals. Please fill out our inquiry form HERE or send an inquiry to our Community Engagement Manager, Julia Rodman, at juliarodman@northernclaycenter.org or call 651-339-8007 ext 313.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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