Newsroom

The Crucible Partners with Coro California to Support Young Leaders

2026-09-03T14:59:12-07:00

This summer, through a partnership with Coro California’s Exploring Leadership program, The Crucible welcomed Collin, a rising junior at Groton School, for a summer internship supporting our social media work. The experience gave Collin an opportunity to build his leadership skills while gaining hands-on experience at a Bay Area arts and education institution.

Outside the classroom, Collin enjoys organizing school events, throwing javelin, and playing classical music. He’s involved in his school’s Speaker’s Committee, Sustainability Committee, Track and Field team, and Rocket Club, and volunteers with the Special Olympics. Through Coro, he hoped to learn how to build meaningful relationships across diverse groups and become a more intentional, community-oriented leader.

At The Crucible, Collin joined our efforts to strengthen and revive our social media presence. He researched social media best practices and looked at how similar organizations engage their audiences, helping our team identify ways to sharpen our own approach. He also gained hands-on experience creating and preparing social posts, exploring both the strategic and creative sides of nonprofit marketing.

For Collin, the internship was more than a summer project. It offered real-world exposure to a mission-driven cultural institution and a chance to grow his skills, confidence, and professional network. He left with practical experience in social media strategy and content, as well as a better understanding of how an organization builds its public voice.

The Crucible and Coro California are proud of what this partnership made possible. Investing in young leaders like Collin is an investment in the future of the Bay Area — its nonprofits, arts institutions, and civic life.

“Years ago, Collin created a skateboard at The Crucible. Today, we’re grateful for his insights and proud to be part of his leadership journey. Thank you, Collin and Coro California for keeping our communities moving forward together!” —Julio Cabanillas, Social Media and Omnichannel Lead, The Crucible

“With Exploring Leadership, we put a strong emphasis on experiential learning. Youth Fellows get the chance to build their skills and immediately put them into practice through these placement experiences. It’s because of partners like The Crucible that youth can step into the professional world and be challenged to grow in ways they may not have considered before.” —Omar Leal, Director, Programs and Training, Coro California

About Coro California’s “Exploring Leadership” Program

Coro California Exploring Leadership Program: 2026 Cohort

Among Coro California’s offerings, Exploring Leadership is a transformative summer youth leadership program for Bay Area high schoolers. Exploring Leadership trains high school students to become active citizens and assume leadership roles in their communities. Meet this year’s cohort. Through a set of Coro’s signature training modules, the program provides hands-on training in critical thinking, goal setting, and leading groups. A central part of that training is a professional internship placement, giving fellows the chance to apply what they’re learning inside a real organization.

About Coro California

The Crucible Partners with Coro California to Support Young Leaders2026-09-03T14:59:12-07:00

The Crucible Makes It To A Million!

2026-04-13T14:53:26-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE CRUCIBLE MAKES IT TO A MILLION!

Community rally unlocks $500,000 Kelson Foundation matching grant challenge in record time.

OAKLAND, CA, Feb 5, 2026 — Victory for Oakland’s makers: The Crucible has crossed the $1 million fundraising mark to open 2026, successfully meeting—and surpassing—the Kelson Foundation’s $500,000 matching-grant challenge in just 26 days. Launched in early January with a February 2 deadline, the time-limited challenge inspired more than 70 individuals, companies, and foundations to contribute over $550,000, unlocking the full $500,000 match and propelling The Crucible past the million-dollar milestone at the start of the year.

“This is an extraordinary moment for our community,” said Doug Yeiser, Interim Executive Director of The Crucible. “In less than a month, longtime supporters and brand-new donors came together to meet this challenge. It speaks to the renewed momentum here—and to how deeply people believe in hands-on creative education.”

The Kelson Foundation launched the challenge at the start of January, calling on the Crucible to raise $500,000 by February 2 to unlock an equal match. “The Kelson Foundation is proud to support The Crucible and its vital role in Oakland’s creative ecosystem,” said Jake Moritz, Kelson Foundation Board President. “The community’s response affirmed our belief that access to hands-on arts education is essential, and that this was exactly the right moment to invest.”

This milestone represents a powerful start to the year, accounting for approximately one-quarter of The Crucible’s annual operating budget and providing critical momentum for 2026. Over the past year, The Crucible has stabilized operations, fully unionized staff, increased class enrollment and earned revenue, expanded scholarships, and strengthened youth and workforce pathways—progress that positions the organization for continued growth and long-term sustainability. As The Crucible supports 18 disciplines of industrial and fine arts, this early success lays the groundwork for continued community investment throughout the year.

Special thanks to the Oakland Ballers, whose high-energy visit and hands-on collaboration at The Crucible in late January helped draw attention to the fundraiser during the final stretch of the challenge and showcased how Oakland institutions can come together to spark creativity and community pride.

About The Crucible
Founded in 1999, The Crucible is the nation’s largest nonprofit industrial arts education center, based in Oakland. Serving thousands each year through classes, scholarships, free programs, and paid leadership opportunities, The Crucible makes hands-on creativity accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Learn more at https://www.thecrucible.org/.

About the Kelson Foundation
The Kelson Foundation supports organizations that expand access to tools, space, and education—uplifting communities through creativity, learning, and opportunity. Learn more at https://kelson.foundation/.

MEDIA CONTACT

Doug Yeiser, Executive Director, The Crucible
510-359-5527
doug.yeiser@thecrucible.org

Sam Felsing
510-381-2772
sam@felsingpr.com

######

The Crucible Makes It To A Million!2026-04-13T14:53:26-07:00

Oakland Ballers Head to The Crucible to Shape Opening-Game Attraction Amid $500,000 Fundraising Sprint

2026-04-13T15:09:24-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 26, 2026

Oakland Ballers Head to The Crucible This Week to Shape Opening-Game Attraction Amid $500,000 Fundraising Sprint

WHO
Oakland Ballers leadership and representatives
The Crucible staff artists and fabricators

WHAT
The Pioneer League 2025 Champion baseball team, the Oakland Ballers, will visit The Crucible to explore hands-on industrial arts and fabrication techniques as inspiration for a custom opening-game attraction. Ballers representatives—including team co-owner Paul Freedman—will observe demonstrations in metalworking, construction, and large-scale artistic mechanics that could inform a dramatic game-day feature—such as a lock to unlock home games or a cannon to celebrate home runs. 

The visit comes as The Crucible races to meet a $500,000 challenge match deadline by Feb. 2, making this both a creative collaboration and a timely moment of community support.

WHEN
Tuesday, January 27
9:00 a.m.

WHERE
The Crucible
1260 7th Street
Oakland, CA 94607

VISUALS

  • An expansive warehouse filled with glass blowing, metal working, wood working, and more.  
  • A specially designed Key to Oakland made for the Oakland Ballers  

WHY IT MATTERS
The Crucible is the largest nonprofit industrial arts education center of its kind in the country. It is currently in the final days of a race to unlock a transformational $500,000 challenge grant from the Kelson Foundation by Feb. 2. The Oakland Ballers’ visit highlights how Oakland-based institutions collaborate—combining sports, art, and hands-on creativity—to create unforgettable public experiences while supporting beloved community anchors.

MEDIA CONTACT
Doug Yeiser, Executive Director, The Crucible
510-359-5527

Sam Felsing
510-381-2772

ABOUT THE CRUCIBLE
Founded in 1999, The Crucible provides instruction in glassblowing, welding, blacksmithing, woodworking, and other industrial arts, serving thousands of students each year while fostering creativity, workforce skills, and community connection.

ABOUT THE OAKLAND BALLERS
The Oakland Ballers are a community-driven independent baseball team built by Oakland, for Oakland, with a commitment to never leave the city. Since launching, the Ballers have invested more than $1.6 million to restore historic Raimondi Park, transforming it into a professional-quality stadium that now serves both fans and the broader community through youth sports, tournaments, and public events. Known for pioneering a new model of fan-centered sports ownership—including becoming the first team to add a fan to its board—the Ballers prioritize civic pride, local partnerships, and joyful experiences for the entire East Bay. 

######

Oakland Ballers Head to The Crucible to Shape Opening-Game Attraction Amid $500,000 Fundraising Sprint2026-04-13T15:09:24-07:00

Newsroom

2018-03-15T14:06:48-07:00
2011 Press Release
East Bay Industrial Art School Announces Summer Immersion Classes for Kids and Adults (12/14/11)

New Winter Industrial Art Classes and Fun Family Spring Break Activities Announced at The Crucible (12/6/11)

Bay Area Industrial Art School Presents Locally Handmade Gifts at Holiday Shopping Sale and Open House (11/30/11)

Bay Area Philanthropists Help Crucible Blaze New Territory by Melding Industrial Arts and Opera (11/23/11)

Bay Area Industrial Art School Releases 2011 Holiday Gift Guide and Makes Six Recommendations (11/15/11)

The Crucible Announces Its New Fall Deals and Benefits (10/18/11)

World Premiere Fire Opera: MACHINE Tickets Now Available at Bay Area Industrial Art School (10/11/11)

Bay Area Industrial Art School to Showcase Earth-Based Arts and Autumn Light and Shadow at Fireside Lounge Evening October 14 (10/4/11)

The Crucible Bay Area Industrial Art School Announces Family Weekends to Warm Up the Holidays (9/28/11)

Industrial Arts Training with The Crucible Helps Student Get Into Stanford (9/14/11)

The Crucible Bay Area Art School and Foundry to Host Sizzling Open House Saturday, September 10 (9/7/11)

The Crucible Now Booking Team Building Activities (8/23/11)

The Crucible and Black Rock Arts Foundation Team Up on Uptown Merritt Art Park Installation Devoted to Art Bikes (8/17/11)

Bay Area Industrial Arts School Gets Fired Up for Burning Man 2011 (8/03/11)

Bay Area Industrial Art Classes Benefit from Young Interns at The Crucible (8/01/11)

Hot Damn! INFERNO: A Fire Circus Coming to The Crucible in Oakland July 14-16 (7/5/11)

Bay Area Industrial Arts Summer Camp Announced at The Crucible (6/21/11)

The Crucible Names Steven Young as New Executive Director (5/6/11)

The Crucible Announces Inferno: A Fire Circus (5/2/11)

An Evening of Fiery Girl Power (4/14/11)

Young Artists Gear Up To Play With Fire This Summer (4/4/11)

Time To Create At The Crucible (3/24/11)

The Crucible Cheers On Marathoners With Fire (3/17/11)

The Crucible Gets Fired Up For Spring (3/16/11)

An Evening of Industrial-Sized Love (2/3/11)

The Crucible’s 12th Anniversary Benefit Show Features an Amazing Collection of Extraordinary Performances of Music, Dance and Fire (1/4/11)

Crucible Revival: Keep The Fire Burning Honors Departing Founder (11/30/01)

Press Release Archive…


About The Crucible


Youth Program


||PROMO||
Machine
2011 Fire Opera


||PRESS/MEDIA||
Inside The Bay Area
Fire Arts Festival ’09

2011 Press Clippings
San Francisco Bay Area Today
Inferno: A Fire Circus Comes
Newsroom2018-03-15T14:06:48-07:00
Go to Top