Chicago Arts Non-Profit Partners With Corporate Leaders to Launch 'Arts-Wired' Schools
Jenner & Block and Fifth Third Bank Adopt Schools to Prepare Students for the 21st Century
CHICAGO, June 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Urban Gateways: Center for Arts Education is pleased to announce the official launch of the Urban Gateways Arts-Wired Program (www.urbangateways.org/programs/arts-wired), which infuses the arts into struggling schools to transform them into high-quality hubs of learning with the support of corporate partners.
Through Arts-Wired, a corporate partner adopts a Chicago-area school for a period of four years, during which Urban Gateways -- Chicago's oldest and largest arts education organization -- delivers in-depth, customized arts programming, in order to increase the academic achievement levels for all students. That arts programming includes:
- Artist Residencies, which bring professional artists into the classroom -- before, during and after school;
- Professional Development for teaching staff, certified arts specialists and administrators;
- Exposure to high quality performing arts and cultural experiences; and
- Out-of-school opportunities, such as workshops and special events for students, parents and neighborhood residents.
The first two corporate leaders to fund or "adopt" an Arts-Wired School are Jenner & Block and Fifth Third Bank, which have adopted Fairfield Academy (6201 South Fairfield, Chicago) and Roosevelt Middle School (2500 Oak Street, Bellwood), respectively.
Local businesses were a natural partner for this project, since they have a vested interest in preparing the next generation for the workforce. "Fifth Third Bank's commitment to building strong communities begins with a quality education for children to give them the best possible start in life. We are proud to play a role in making this innovative program a success," said Chip Reeves, Fifth Third Bank Chicago Market President.
The Arts-Wired Program also provided a way for businesses to encourage their employees to further support their community. Jenner & Block challenged its personnel to raise half of the $30K goal it needed in order to bring the Arts-Wired program to Fairfield Academy. The response to this challenge from across the firm was overwhelming, with more than $22K raised.
"The arts are an important part of a robust education that every child deserves," said Jenner & Block Chairman Anton R. Valukas, who has spearheaded the Jenner & Block's firm-wide support of Fairfield for several years. "The Arts-Wired curriculum will help Fairfield students to grow academically in all subjects, bolster their confidence and broaden their horizons."
SOURCE Urban Gateways
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