ArtsNOW Partners in $6 Million Federal Grant to Expand Arts-Integrated STEM Learning
ArtsNOW, an affiliate of national Young Audiences Arts for Learning, is proud to announce its role as a lead partner in a groundbreaking initiative funded by a five-year, $6 million grant from the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program through the U.S. Department of Education. This prestigious award places ArtsNOW at the forefront of national efforts to enhance STEM education through arts integration.
The EIR Project will be implemented in collaboration with national Young Audiences and Young Audiences Louisiana, supporting three school districts across South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana. The program will introduce customized, arts-integrated STEM curricula and intensive professional learning opportunities for teachers, fostering innovative teaching methods that make math and science more meaningful and engaging for students.
“Through this initiative, we have a unique opportunity to expand our impact and strengthen STEM learning by leveraging the power of the arts,” said Pamela Walker, President and CEO of ArtsNOW. “By combining research-based strategies with hands-on professional learning, we are equipping educators with the tools to transform their classrooms.”
A Transformational Approach to STEM Learning
Initially, the EIR Project will launch in two ArtsNOW leadership schools – Deer Chase Elementary School in Richmond County School System in Georgia and Ellen Woodside Elementary School in Greenville County Schools in South Carolina. Within these schools, lead teachers will receive intensive digital coaching and professional learning.
In year two, the initiative will expand to additional schools in each district as well as Jefferson Parish Schools in New Orleans in Louisiana, increasing the program’s reach and long-term sustainability.
ArtsNOW will provide expert professional learning and resources to Young Audiences Louisiana, helping them implement a high-quality model that aligns with ArtsNOW’s proven strategies. The ultimate goal is to replicate and refine the ArtsNOW approach in a new region, creating a scalable model for arts-integrated STEM education.
“This initiative is a testament to the power of the arts in transforming education,” said David Dik, Executive Director of Young Audiences Arts for Learning. “Through our affiliation with ArtsNOW and Young Audiences Louisiana, we are expanding access to high-quality arts-integrated STEM learning experiences, ensuring that more students can engage deeply with STEM concepts in a meaningful and creative way.”
National Recognition and Future Growth
This early-phase research grant is a significant milestone, positioning ArtsNOW for potential future expansion through mid-phase funding. A third-party evaluator will conduct the program’s evaluation to ensure a rigorous assessment of impact and effectiveness. Additionally, grant staff along with teacher leaders will develop crosswalks aligning math and science standards across K-5 curricula in South Carolina, Georgia, and Louisiana.
Educational Advancement through STEM Engagement is one of only 33 projects selected from 463 applicants—placing it among the top 8% of proposals nationwide. Other grant recipients include Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University Teachers College, the City of New York Board of Education, and the American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences.
About ArtsNOW
ArtsNOW is a leading provider of arts-integrated professional learning, equipping educators with innovative teaching strategies that enhance student engagement and achievement. As an affiliate of Young Audiences Arts for Learning, a national organization dedicated to inspiring young people and expanding their learning through the arts, ArtsNOW empowers schools to bring learning to life. Learn more at www.artsnowlearning.org.