Giving Compass' Take:

• Steven J. Tepper, the keynote speaker at the 2017 ArtsFund luncheon, explained how the role of youth arts education helped increase student academic achievement. 

• What are other benefits of arts education for students besides positive academic outcomes? What are the social and behavioral gains? 

• Read about the Seattle Arts and Lectures' WITS program that helps students engage with language through hands-on classes with creative writing experts. 

At last year's ArtsFund luncheon, Keynote Steven J. Tepper highlighted the science and statistics behind the role of artistic minds in shaping our future. Dr. Tepper shared data showing that Nobel Prize winners are four times more likely to be musicians, 17 times more likely to be visual artists, and 22 times more likely to be performers than scientists who did not win the Nobel Prize.

As we face unprecedented shifts and advances in technology, globalization, and demographics, creativity is crucial for professional success.

In addition to building creative competency in our youth, arts participation also leads to higher test scores and grade point averages, increased rates of graduation, and a greater likelihood to attend college. A student involved in the arts is four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement or to participate in a math and science fair, and three times more likely to win an award for school attendance or to be elected to class office.

These facts demonstrate a strong correlation between youth arts involvement and individual achievement, discipline, and civic engagement.

Read the full article by Kara Hurst about arts education from Americans for the Arts