"Transforming Lives Through The Arts."
WHY THE ARTS?
Why Choose the Arts for Your Child’s After-School Program?
Choosing arts-based after-school programs provides children with a unique platform for self-expression, emotional growth, and skill-building that traditional academic or sports programs may not offer. The arts encourage children to explore their creativity, develop critical thinking, and communicate their thoughts and emotions effectively. Studies have shown that consistent engagement in the arts improves academic performance, behavior, and overall mental well-being. Through these programs, children gain confidence and resilience, learning to express themselves constructively, which can translate to improved behavior in and outside of school.
The Arts as a Deterrent to Gun Violence
After-school arts programs create safe spaces where young people feel valued and understood, providing a positive alternative to the streets and reducing their likelihood of being exposed to or participating in violence. By focusing on team-oriented activities like theater, dance, or music, arts programs foster a sense of belonging and collaboration. When youth feel connected to their peers and supported by mentors, they are less likely to seek belonging in negative environments or get involved in risky activities. These programs also promote emotional health by giving young people a channel to manage and express their emotions, which can help them handle challenges peacefully rather than turning to violence.
Using the Arts in Violence Intervention
The arts can also play a key role in violence intervention by helping individuals process trauma, anger, or stress. Art therapy, for instance, is used to help individuals articulate complex emotions they may struggle to express verbally. Programs that incorporate storytelling, drama, and visual arts can empower youth to confront and reframe their experiences in a constructive way. Performance and visual arts projects can be especially impactful, as they allow participants to explore themes of conflict resolution, empathy, and social justice, promoting healing and encouraging positive behavior.
Through intentional arts programming, we can help at-risk youth build self-awareness, emotional regulation, and conflict resolution skills, transforming both individuals and communities. By investing in the arts as a channel for growth, we not only provide youth with enriching experiences but also contribute to safer, more peaceful neighborhoods.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM DATA
The Afterschool Alliance provides comprehensive data highlighting the critical role of afterschool programs across the United States. Their research reveals that afterschool programs positively impact youth by improving academic performance, social skills, and overall well-being. Here are some key findings from the Afterschool Alliance's recent data:
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Educational Outcomes: Afterschool programs significantly enhance academic success. Students who participate regularly demonstrate improved grades, test scores, and graduation rates. They also show greater interest in STEM fields, as programs increasingly offer hands-on STEM activities that encourage curiosity and innovation.
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Safety and Crime Reduction: Participation in afterschool programs has been linked to reduced juvenile crime rates. Data shows that the hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.—the peak hours for juvenile crime—are when students benefit most from having structured, supervised activities. Programs provide a safe space, keeping youth off the streets and engaged in positive pursuits.
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Social and Emotional Development: Afterschool activities improve social skills and emotional regulation, helping youth develop resilience, empathy, and conflict-resolution abilities. These skills are particularly valuable in reducing violence and aggression, and in fostering healthier peer relationships.
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Parental and Community Support: Afterschool programs offer support for working families, providing peace of mind for parents who know their children are in a safe, enriching environment. Community-based programs also strengthen neighborhood bonds, involving local businesses, schools, and organizations in youth development.
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Demand for Programs: Despite the proven benefits, there is a substantial gap between demand and supply. Afterschool Alliance data indicates that for every child enrolled in an afterschool program, three others are waiting for an available spot. This highlights the pressing need for expanded funding and resources to meet the needs of underserved communities.
Afterschool programs, such as those offered by Maroon 9, align with these findings by providing critical enrichment, safety, and support that positively impact youth, families, and communities.
IMPACT OF NATIONAL AND LOCAL
ARTS ORGANIZATION
Arts organizations in the United States, including local community-focused programs, play a powerful role in youth development, economic contribution, and social cohesion. Both national and local data underscore the value of arts programs in communities, particularly for youth. Here are some key data points on the impact of arts organizations:
National Impact of Arts Organizations
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Economic Contribution: According to the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the arts sector contributes over $900 billion to the U.S. economy annually, representing 4.3% of the nation’s GDP. This contribution underscores the arts’ economic importance and its ability to provide jobs, stimulate local economies, and attract tourism.
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Youth and Education: Research from Americans for the Arts indicates that students involved in the arts are:
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Four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
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More likely to participate in math and science fairs, preparing them for STEM pathways.
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More likely to have higher attendance rates, which translates to improved school performance and engagement.
This data aligns with findings from The Arts Education Partnership, which highlights how arts education fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills.
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Reduced Youth Crime and Violence: Data from The Afterschool Alliance shows that arts-based afterschool programs reduce juvenile crime, particularly during the high-risk hours of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Programs providing artistic outlets for self-expression offer young people alternative, constructive paths for managing emotions and channeling energy, which can be instrumental in reducing violence.
Local Impact of Arts Organizations
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Texas-Specific Impact: The Texas Cultural Trust reports that the arts generate billions for Texas’s economy annually, with ripple effects reaching local community organizations that serve youth and families. Local arts organizations like Maroon 9 strengthen this economic base by providing youth programming that attracts community investment and support.
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Community Development and Inclusion: Local arts initiatives foster inclusivity and provide a sense of belonging for youth. In Fort Worth, community-centered programs have shown to improve local school attendance, engagement, and provide crucial emotional support. The Arts Council of Fort Worth notes that community arts organizations help underserved youth explore creative passions, keeping them engaged and out of harm’s way.
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Increased College and Career Readiness: Participation in local arts programs has been linked to increased interest in postsecondary education. Fort Worth arts organizations like Maroon 9 help students explore artistic and technical careers, especially in performing and media arts, increasing their readiness for college and work in these fields. These programs also create pathways for youth to attend historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and enter creative industries.
Summary
Together, national and local data emphasize that arts organizations, especially those focused on youth programming, support academic success, improve mental health, reduce violence, and strengthen economic stability in communities. Programs like those provided by Maroon 9 leverage these benefits by offering young people safe, enriching, and impactful experiences in the arts, contributing to individual growth and broader community resilience.