With grant funding from the Excellence in Education Fund and the Monroe Fund, All Access Arts was created in 2017 to encourage greater arts participation in our schools and community. All Access Arts provides free performing arts access to K-12 students of the School District of Monroe who face economic challenges and normally would not have the opportunity to attend live performing arts events outside of a school setting. It also supports those who demonstrate an interest in the arts or have artistic talent and are in need of outside encouragement. Students nominated by District staff are given 2 free tickets to a performing arts event in our schools or community.
It is hoped that by encouraging performing arts appreciation it will increase participation at the middle school and high school level. In a 2005 study published by The College Board, high school students who participated in arts programs for 4 years scored 58 points higher on the verbal and 38 points higher on the math portion of the SAT than students who had less than half a year of arts participation. State Superintendent Tony Evers strongly believes Arts are an important part of STEAM and should be encouraged in our schools. Arts participation helps students develop creative and critical thinking skills. They learn how to work as part of a group toward a common goal and understand that all roles are important in the process, no matter the size of the contribution. They have higher self-esteem and develop the "soft skills" 21st century employers look for like empathy, communication skills and focus. Students can find success in the hands-on learning and collaborative environment of theatre where self-expression, tolerance and acceptance are encouraged. A long term goal is to encourage a lifelong love of the arts with ongoing post-secondary participation.
For more information on how you can support this program and others like it in our community, please visit the links below.
Monroe Fund
Excellence in Education
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