Artward Bound is a free college preparation program for Greater Boston-area high school students who are passionate about art and interested in pursuing an art and design education. Through year-round art classes, academic support, career workshops, and visits to museums and artist studios, students build creative skills and prepare for college.

Meet our Artward Bound staff:

From First-Gen to Aspiring Art Therapist

Artwork Bound student turned MassArt student Moreno (’25 BFA) aspires to be an art therapist at a hospital for children.

Gaby Moreno ‘25 BFA Painting, working in her studio.

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Gaby Moreno is a Boston-based Salvadoran-American artist who aspires to be an art therapist at a children’s hospital.

Moreno is an Artward Bound alumna and like many of her peers, she is also a first-generation college student.

When she enrolled at MassArt she found support through the Academic Compass Program, which connects and supports undergraduate students with mentors, faculty, and staff. Through these programs, Moreno has found a sense of belonging and support.

“My favorite thing about MassArt has to be the community, because the people are from everywhere,” says Moreno, “I don’t feel alone. I don’t feel like an outsider. Everyone is different and we all accept that. That’s beautiful. You don’t see that everywhere.”

Like most MassArt undergraduate students, Moreno also receives critical financial support. “Having this scholarship,” she notes, “is an opportunity, but it’s also a dream come true. If it wasn’t for it, I don’t think I’d be here.”