GlassRoots
Our Purpose
Sparking Change
GlassRoots sparks change and enables growth in individuals and communities through the transformative power of glass art.
Building skills, igniting creativity, inspiring confidence and impacting economic vitality.
Since its founding in 2001, GlassRoots has engaged tens of thousands of Greater Newark-area youth with its services, including its core Youth Entrepreneurship Spirit (YES) Program, student field trips, and after school classes.
Through the transformative power of glassmaking, students develop patience, teamwork, creative problem-solving, and the discipline and resilience they need to work with 2200-degree fire and molten glass safely. They gain hands-on experience in art, chemistry, physics, and math and gain self-confidence by working with our team and crafting presentations about their artwork.
While serving Newark youth is at the core of our mission, we also offer adult programs such as glassmaking classes ranging from glassblowing to mosaics; private lessons; and creative, hands-on team building workshops. Our studio artists also create handmade glass awards for companies and organizations to honor exceptional colleagues or milestones.
In fact, our diverse youth offerings are supported by your generous purchase of a glassmaking class, participation in a team-building exercise or custom order of one of our elegant glass awards.