Extracurriculars Are Essential

How Low-Income Communities Are Impacted By Underfunding

“Since the formation of the public education system, people have debated the question, “What makes a public school a success.” However, what has never been questioned has been acknowledging the education opportunity gap between well-funded public schools and those functioning in under-resourced communities”

Students attending public schools in under-funded communities are three times less likely to participate in extracurricular programs. Middle-income children will have spent close to 4,000 more hours in after-school and summer learning programs than their disadvantaged peers by grade six.

Research finds that access to extracurricular activities, both in and out of school, such as music, art, debate, sports, etc., is essential for a child’s physical and emotional development. Through participation in these activities, children are provided a safe environment to channel their energy positively and constructively. These types of activities also can spur collaborations that can expand social networks and lead to new and positive academic or career opportunities.

For over 39 years, Art in Action has provided quality art education programs to students from Pre-K through 8th grade. We are determined to be part of the solution to close the education equity gap by empowering children through art.

If you would like to learn more about providing art education programs for schools, click here