We have recently requested funds from the Tim Ryan Earmark Request in the amount of $145,000.00 for the project called. "The Current and Longer-Term Benefit of an Intensified Program in the Arts and Career Education on Young Inner-City Pupils." The proposed project will provide for 100 young children in blighted inner-city Youngstown, Ohio an intensified two-year program in the arts and in career information with a view towards current enrichment and longer-term benefits. The project will be composed of two parts: (the present) specialized classes, lectures and demonstrations, hands-on experiences, involvement of the public, and record keeping; (the future) a five-year follow-up to note residual effects of these experiences, and a pre- and post-evaluation of the children's status and progress. Parents will be actively involved in all aspects of the project. Research specialists will help shape and implement the program and accumulate pertinent data. Media publicity will keep the public informed of the immense benefits the government is providing the program participants. This is a valuable part of taxpayers funds because research shows that poor children are more likely than nonpoor children to be low achievers in school, to repeat one or two grades, and to eventually drop out of school. They are more likely to engage in delinquent and criminal behavior, to be welfare-dependent, and are likely to earn less if they are employed. It is well established that poor three- and four-year olds benefit significantly from early childhood programs with strong educational components that prepare them for school. It raises high school graduation rates, lowers the rate of juvenile arrests, and cuts in half the number on public assisstance. (National Center for Children in Poverty) |
