Coming Up Taller. Arts and Humanities Programs for Children and Youth at Risk

This report documents arts and humanities programs in communities across the country that offer opportunities for children and youth to learn new skills, expand their horizons, and develop self-esteem and well-being. The report describes the variety and vitality of arts and programs humanities programs for children and youth and common characteristics these programs share. The most distinguishing feature of these programs is their ability to take full advantage of the capacity of the arts and humanities to engage students. They have in common the fact that they provide crucial building blocks for healthy development in places of safety and through interaction with caring adults. Another factor in the success of these programs is that they place a premium on giving youth a chance to succeed. Many use innovative teaching strategies, and many promote concrete job skills. Most are located in large cities, and many target disadvantaged and minority youth. Most are funded through government agencies, although 95% report more than one source of funding. The report is structured in six chapters: (1) "A Changed Environment for Children"; (2) "Culture Counts"; (3) "Transforming Lives"; (4) "A Delicate Balance"; (5) "Looking Ahead"; and (6) "Two Hundred Plus." Section 6 contains program descriptions for the 218 individual arts and humanities programs studied. (SLD)