Worcester State University recently welcomed thousands of middle school students to campus for the OMA LEAP event, a dynamic cultural experience that blended education, performance, and hands-on learning.
The event, hosted through a collaboration between Worcester State’s Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) and the Guardians of Traditions, Inc., is part of the LEAP initiative—Learning Through Education and Arts Partnerships.
The program is a collaborative initiative that involves the Worcester Public Schools and ten cultural institutions in the region. Funded by the George I. Alden Trust and The Stoddard Charitable Trust, and facilitated by the Worcester Educational Development Foundation, Inc.
Vanessa De Leon Joga, co-founder and executive director of Guardians of Traditions, has been putting on this event for six years—helping bring global Carnival traditions to life for students.
“We take them on a journey through different countries,” De Leon Joga said. “They learn the history and evolution of Carnival in the Americas, but also the elements that connect cultures—so they understand that it’s possible to maintain your identity while still being part of a larger community.”
Through an interactive presentation, students explored the shared traditions and meanings behind Carnival celebrations across regions. The educational component emphasized intersectionality and cultural pride, encouraging students to reflect on their own identities and backgrounds.
The learning didn’t stop there. The event culminated in a series of live performances from local artists and organizations, transforming the space into a vibrant celebration of movement, music, and storytelling. Featured groups included Crocodile River Music, the Jean Sebastien Duvilaire Dance Company, Tumbao Latin Dance, Ritmos Dance Academy, local artist Fanta Vibez, and steel pan drummer and music instructor Sista Dee of Trinidad and Tobago. Members of the Orphanage Movement also introduced students to hip-hop and breakdancing, connecting those styles to Carnival’s historical roots.
Students were also invited to participate, learning dance steps like bachata and salsa and joining performers on stage. Worcester Youth Poet Laureate Adael Mejia contributed an original piece inspired by the presentation, adding a literary dimension to the experience.
The event concluded with a dramatic and colorful finale as Carnival masqueraders emerged in full costume, interacting with the audience. For many students, the moment sparked a mix of excitement, curiosity, and awe.
“Seeing how they react—it’s fascinating,” De Leon Joga said. “Some are excited, some are surprised, some don’t know what to think at first. But by the end, they’re making connections to their own culture. That’s the goal.”
The LEAP program reaches approximately 1,700 to 1,900 students each year, with participants attending multiple sessions from middle schools across Worcester, including Burncoat Street Preparatory School, University Park Campus School, and Forest Grove Middle School. Organizers carefully tailor each session to meet the needs of participating students, taking into account factors such as age, cultural background, and sensory sensitivities.
“It takes close to a year of preparation,” De Leon Joga said. “We look at the demographics, where students are from, and how we can make sure they feel represented in what they’re seeing and learning.”
That level of intentionality reflects a broader mission shared by Worcester State and its community partners: creating meaningful, engaging experiences that resonate with students beyond the classroom.
In addition to LEAP, De Leon Joga also works with Worcester State’s Upward Bound program, where students explore cultural traditions through hands-on art projects. Last year, participants created Carnival masks from scratch, learning techniques like papier-mâché while developing patience and creativity. This year, the focus will shift to kite-making, connecting cultural traditions through another artistic medium.
For De Leon Joga, the combination of arts and education is key.
“If it’s not engaging, you lose the student,” she said. “The arts make it fun—but they also open the door to deeper understanding.”
Through programs like OMA LEAP, Worcester State continues to serve as a hub for cultural exchange, bringing together students, artists, and educators in ways that celebrate diversity and build community across the city.