Statewide budget cuts of more than $15 million in the California public school system means that schools are trying to survive on fewer and fewer resources. “Non-academic essentials” are often the first programs to fall victim to the accountant’s red pen, and unfortunately for our children, their development and our county’s artistic future, performing arts programs are often the first to go.
Many private programs that focus on dance and music do exist, but they cause a tremendous strain on already taxed household budgets. However, in the spirit of personal development, building inner-strength and fostering creativity, programs such as The Young Americans fill a significant void.
The Young Americans is a nonprofit organization founded in Hollywood in 1962 by Milton Anderson, who still serves as CEO. Anderson’s philosophy remains unchanged today: Provide talented young American student performers (15 to 21 years of age) with education in music, dance, performance art and teaching. Then support these members as they use their training to teach and inspire younger students though The Young American’s International Music Outreach Workshops.
“One thing that is so unique about our program is that music truly is
the universal language,” says Don Strom, director of marketing for The
Young Americans. “Schools often cut art first, but continuing these
programs should be considered very strongly, because it has been proven
repeatedly that a strong emphasis in the arts results in higher test
scores, the only real indicator of success in schools.”
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