Young Audiences Arts for Learning is a not-for-profit organization, serving students in pre-k to grade 12, their teachers, and their families to provide the best in arts education for children. In partnership with school leaders and educators, Young Audiences brings arts experiences by professional teaching artists directly to students.

Silver Bay Elementary’s vision is to embrace and develop the unique abilities of each student through compelling, creative learning experiences. They aim to provide a safe and nurturing environment and instill a sense of pride and self-worth in each student.

We met with Young Audiences and loved their ARTS LAB program, which harnesses the power of the arts to reduce chronic absenteeism. Young Audiences applied for the ALL KIDS THRIVE grant from the Princeton Area Community Foundation so they could establish the ARTS LAB program in Mercer County schools. We agreed to match this $300,000 grant if they received it, and they did! We then began discussing implementing the program in Toms River. After meeting with Toms River Regional Schools administration and the Young Audiences team, it was decided that Silver Bay Elementary would be the pilot school for the ARTS LAB program.

The Young Audiences’ ARTS LAB program will address chronic absenteeism, and other classroom and student challenges through unique arts education programs. Their team of professional teaching artists will provide monthly assembly performances that complement academic studies, a long-term dance residency that teaches math and science concepts through movement and choreography, a family arts and creativity program, and a professional learning initiative where a master teaching artist helps teachers integrate the arts into other teaching practice and the curriculum.

A core value of Young Audiences Arts for Learning is that all young people, regardless of their race, background, ability, or zip code, deserve access to a well-rounded and arts-rich education. They are dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) practices in all areas of our work, while furthering education and engagement around these principals across our affiliate network. The ARTS LAB provides students of every socio-economic background, geographic area, and ability with the opportunity to engage in quality arts learning that nurtures creativity, expands cultural awareness, and fosters the development of critical thinking skills.