Do Kids Need “Enrichment”?
- Marin Charitable
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
We can easily agree that every child deserves adequate food and shelter, a safe home, school, and neighborhood. Despite the perception of wealth and ease, Marin County is home to far too many children who are at risk in these critical areas, and Marin Charitable grants support essential programs that prevent these kids from falling through the cracks.
But what about other less tangible needs? Sometimes, focusing on meeting basic challenges, we can get distracted from the fact that young, growing minds and bodies need more. One of the key Marin Charitable grant categories is “enrichment,” referring to a host of programs supporting kids’ healthy mental and physical development in nuanced and multifaceted ways.
A key component in this effort is access to the arts, including visual arts, music, dance, theater, and beyond. Arts education often falls off the funding agenda for schools as the perceived entertainment value of arts education overshadows the direct and proven benefits. After-school arts progra ms can also be expensive, inconvenient, and inaccessible to low-income families.
In this world of societal uncertainty, access to these “extras” is more important than ever.
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Overwhelming research shows a direct correlation between arts education and improved academic performance. Students engaged in art programs have higher GPAs, higher standardized test scores, higher interest in attending college, and are more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.
In addition, arts students are three times more likely to be awarded for school attendance, and art studies and activities help prevent high-risk students from dropping out of school.
Arts education also improves school engagement by providing students with different ways of accessing educational content. Not all students learn the same way, and art offers students with different learning styles other ways to approach content and ideas.
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL LEARNING AND WELLBEING
Exposure to the arts for even two hours per week can improve kids’ mental health and well-being.
Brain research shows that music education not only builds math and reading skills but also improves social development, personality adjustment, and self-worth.
Because arts education is open-ended and often free from academic pressure, it is an area where kids can take healthy risks, express themselves individually, and build overall self-confidence.
Involvement in the arts teaches kids how to manage their emotions and have compassion for others.
At-risk youth are often dealing with complex personal experiences and trauma, and the arts can provide an outlet for them to process their emotions and build resiliency.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Research has drawn a clear line between the arts and positive civic engagement. Equipped with the habits, values, and skills provided through arts education, kids are better prepared to contribute to the health of their schools and communities.
Arts education exposes kids to diverse perspectives and experiences. Through studying human expression from different periods and regions, students can learn about cultures, traditions, and historical contexts that differ from their own. Empathy, respect, and cultural awareness are critical qualities in an increasingly interconnected society.
REAL WORLD JOB READINESS
Creativity, problem solving, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are becoming the most important and in-demand skills for young adults entering the workforce.
Arts education supports students’ future contributions not just to traditionally creative careers, but to medicine, finance, research, the economy, social causes, global problem solving, and beyond.
Participating in the arts can also improve communication skills and teach collaboration, attributes key to job success in any field.
So the stage is set, now how can we help? Fortunately, there are a number of inspiring organizations in Marin County working to provide underserved and at-risk kids with equitable access to the arts. Some of the programs Marin Charitable grants support include:
Youth in Arts - https://youthinarts.org
Marin Charitable underwrites an intensive, visual arts-based, paid job skills training program that establishes creative pathways for some of Marin's most marginalized youth ages 13-18. Students in the I AM art mentoring program receive 72 hours of mentorship time both in the studio and in the field.
TeamWorks Art Mentoring Program- http://www.teamworksart.org
TeamWorks empowers students in juvenile detention and alternative education schools with high-quality art classes, off-campus workshops, internships, exhibit opportunities, and community art projects. Programs help students boost academic motivation, cultivate friendship,s and develop pro-social skills.
Art From the Heart - https://www.artfromtheheartmarin.com
Marin Charitable funds enable art classes for teens at the Irene Hunt School and North Marin Community Services, helping over 75 kids with behavioral issues to build their self-confidence and social-emotional skills.
Enriching Lives Through Music (ELM) - https://elmprogram.org
This intensive year-round music education program prepares middle and high school students to attend four-year colleges and extends community support to students’ families as well.
Marin Girls Chorus - https://marin-girls-chorus.squarespace.com
Girls from low-income families in Marin receive tuition assistance from Marin Charitable to participate in this award-winning singing program that builds confidence, community, and a strong sense of self.
California Poets in the Schools – https://www.cpits.org
Marin Charitable grants enable more than 300 students at San Jose Middle School and San Rafael High School to participate in poetry workshops that foster creative self-expression. In addition, we support the county-wide Youth Poet Laureate and Ambassador program that provides young poets with a platform to use their art to build social change in their community.
Marin Symphony - https://marinsymphony.org/youth/symphony-schools/
The Symphony@Schools program delivers classical performances to students and provides professional mentorship to teachers and students in band and orchestra. By educating, inspiring, and coaching teachers and students, school music programs get the assistance to thrive.
This list is just a snapshot of how your contributions to Marin Charitable bring important resources to kids in need across the county and the deep impact of your support. Thank you for giving all kids a chance to thrive!
If you're working with at-risk youth in Marin, discover how our grants can amplify your impact.
Want to support young lives today? Join our mission with a donation.
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