Research shows that all young people deserve a well-rounded education that develops important life skills including creativity, compassion, critical thinking, and collaboration:

• Youth who are involved in the arts are four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair, three times more likely to win an award for school attendance, four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement, and three times more likely to be elected to class office. Additionally, students from low socioeconomic backgrounds who participate in the arts are five times more likely to graduate high school than those without arts participation (Americans for the Arts, 2013).
• Students who participate in quality Social and Emotional Learning programs show improved classroom behavior, an increased ability to manage stress and depression, and better attitudes about their schools, themselves, and others (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, 2018).
• Critical thinking skills are correlated with greater academic achievement, career readiness, and improved quality of life (Partnership for 21st Century Learning, 2015).
• Young people who develop their collaboration skills demonstrate a greater commitment to civic participation, better academic performance in college settings, and more success in the workplace (Partnership for 21st Century Learning, 2015).

Creative Action helps young people develop skills for long-term academic, personal, and career success through high-quality, socially and culturally-relevant arts education programs led by professional Teaching Artists.