M.E.C.A.'s founder and executive director, Alice E. Valdez, was asked by the parish priest to build upon the spirit of community created by the festival and develop a program that would provide activities and alternatives for the children and youth in the community. Also when CETA funds became available, M.E.C.A. received a grant. In 1993, M.E.C.A. moved its home of over fifteen years at St. Joseph Church and changed its name to Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts. Its new home is the former Dow Elementary School. M.E.C.A. provides arts education through three programs.
Classes are also open to adults.
M.E.C.A.'s third program is the Summer Arts Program which combines arts education with field trips and recreational activities. Each summer, students prepare a musical production which tours throughout Houston. Many students return to M.E.C.A. as teachers or volunteers to contribute back to their community.