Studies show that arts education helps keep students on track. Not only do these courses of study tend to improve students' performances on standardized tests, they also help keep kids engaged in academia and off the streets.
The National Endowment for the Arts understands the value of boosting arts programs in schools during a period when President Barack Obama says the nation is in an education crisis. Simultaneously, it wants to support nonprofit fundraising for independent arts organizations in light of last year's declining donations to the arts sector.
The organization recently announced it has awarded $25,000 grants to 40 nonprofit, professional theater companies to participate in the NEA's "Shakespeare for a New Generation" program. The program introduces the works of the world-famous playwright to middle and high school students across the country.
To date, the program has reached more than 1.5 million students. This year, the NEA funds will bring a tour of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night to more than 10,000 students at 50 schools. By June, the program will have supported more than 4,000 performances.
Organization leaders involved in education reform or affiliated with arts institutions may be inspired by this program and find ways to form partnerships to support both causes.
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