Youth arts programming stimulates creative expression and imagination, promotes independent thinking, and develops problem-solving skills.  Through the arts, children gain valuable tools that guide them to becoming engaged, creative, and innovative thinkers. Art education does more than just give students a creative outlet. It can actually help connect them to the larger world, ultimately improving community cohesion. 

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Unfortunately, Arts programs in schools have been scaled down considerably.  This has been happening throughout the country, but the negative impact is greatest in low-income communities.  Research has shown that students from low socioeconomic backgrounds who have arts-rich experiences are more likely to achieve key positive outcomes - academically, socially, and civically - compared with their peers who lack access to arts experiences.

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The Joseph & Vera Long Foundation seeks to support school programs and organizations that provide equitable access to tools, materials, classes, instruction, and support and guidance for creative expression. By providing more opportunities for youth to participate in visual, literary, and performing arts, we hope to equip them with a creative edge; promote exploration and expression; support academic success across school curriculum; and contribute to their development into caring, educated, and innovative adults.

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