Arts education programs typically include dance, music, drama/theatre, and visual arts classes. Due to funding, some schools in Harrisburg including our local community college are unable to provide their students with regular arts education.

Fewer American children are getting access to arts education, whether at school or elsewhere, according to anew analysisof federal data issued by the National Endowment for the Arts. Low-income children, particularly black and Hispanic children, are suffering the most from a cliff-like decline in childhood arts education.

Diverse voices in the arts are vital to our local culture. We believe people of color deserve access to affordable arts education namely in inner city public schools. Learning through the arts reinforces critical academic skills in reading, language arts and math and provides students with the skills to creatively solve problems.

We want to ensure that public schools have the proper funding to provide arts education courses to their students. Arts has been regarded as a luxury instead of a necessity for well rounded child development. In fact, studies show that students who engaged in the arts showed significantly higher rates of college attendance, favorable college grades, and better job opportunities.

It is NCBW Harrisburg Chapters' intent to partner with decision makers in any way that we can to develop creative solutions to offering arts education courses. Speak up for arts education programs by signing your name to our petition to show support. If you believe in arts education and have a personal story about its importance in developing well rounded young adults, please share.

We thank you in advance for your support of arts education in Harrisburg.