Positive Youth Development and the Arts: A Community Needs Assessment for Cultural, Arts-Oriented Youth Programs in Greenville, South Carolina

Charles LeeClemson University, Youth Development Leadership

Introduction

Literature

Problem PurposeParticipation and exposure to the arts and cultural activities can promote a variety of developmental assets and have a profound impact on youth participants. Arts education in schools has seen a recent decline. Community arts organizations can play an important role in filling the void.

Greenville, South Carolina has a number of organizations whose missions include providing education and outreach for youth from an arts perspective. These programs can effectively promote positive youth development, leadership and even prevention of delinquency.

Arts programs in schools have been cut when budgets become tight. There is a disconnect between peoples’ perception of the value of arts-related programs and their actual priority in the system. The arts continue to take a backseat to other core subjects. What can community-based arts organizations do to better meet the need for artistic exposure and expression for all youth?

Identify and assess the major organizations that provide arts and cultural opportunities for youth.

Support the case for additional funding opportunities for positive youth development arts programming. Determine the extent of communication and collaboration between organizations.

Reinforce the importance of community arts outreach and education for all youth.

Implications

Recent studies by Americans for the Arts report youth who participate in comprehensive arts programs are4 times more likely:-to be recognized for academic achievement-to participate in a math and science fair-to win an award for writing an essay or poem3 times more likely:-to be elected to class office in school-to win an award for school attendance

Other research suggests a myriad of benefits for youth involvement in the arts including:•Social skills and relational skills•Higher academic achievement •Increased creative thinking, risk-taking and expression •Personal development such as higher self-esteem, self-worth and awareness, and increased self-efficacyAdditionally, music and theatre have shown a correlation to math and reading.

Involvement in the arts can help youth engage and connect with their communities.

Arts-based prevention programs for youth are also gaining popularity and legitimacy through success by altering the lives of youth at risk of delinquency and other behavioral problems.

1. Describe the strengths and identify any gaps in community-based education and outreach programs in Greenville, SC.

2. Make recommendations for additional considerations.

3. Create a more holistic account of the arts and cultural events offered for youth in Greenville through community arts organizations.

4. Better serve the youth population of the Greater Greenville area though increased knowledge and collaboration among organizations.

Methods

Arts Based Learning

This community needs assessment will collect primary data through face-to-face interviews with program administrators and directors.

Qualitative interview results will be coded and analyzed for themes.

Secondary data from the organizations will also be considered. Quantitative data will be grouped and summarized.