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Princeton NJ Back to School Announcements

Arts Education Grants for Local Schools Offered by Young Audiences and Target®

Arts Education Grants for Local Schools

Offered by Young Audiences and Target®

Schools throughout New Jersey are eligible;
October 3^rd deadline for schools to apply

PRINCETON, N.J., September 15, 2011— For a second year, Young Audiences New Jersey and retail giant Target are teaming up to offer Arts Education Grants of up to $10,000 each, to selected New Jersey schools.  At a time when schools throughout the region are suffering from budget cuts, Young Audiences New Jersey and Target hope to provide some relief.

Grant recipients will work with Young Audiences’ staff, and their roster of over 300 professional teaching artists, to plan high-quality arts programming tailored specifically for their schools’ unique needs. Each recipient will receive funding that can be used for a variety of initiatives, including: 

• professional arts performances at their school
• in-depth, hands-on workshops with professional artists
• professional development to help teachers best use the arts in their classrooms
• assistance in creating a community event celebrating students’ work

All preschools, elementary and middle schools throughout New Jersey are eligible for the grants. Last year, seven New Jersey schools received funding for this competitive opportunity.  The winning schools were of all sizes and geographic locations and the programs made a tremendous difference to their students, particularly in these stressful times.  Programming at these winning schools included exciting performances and residencies with African dance troupes that got students on their feet and dancing, booking making and writing residencies that allowed older students to write stories and create books to share with their younger schoolmates, and performances by storytellers that connected to school day learning through language arts and science curriculums. 

“We are thrilled that Target has renewed the funding for this special program.  Their generosity and belief in the importance of arts and creativity as a critical part of education for every child is inspiring. ” said Larry Capo, Executive Director of Young Audiences New Jersey. The grants come at a critical time, when schools throughout the state are still dealing with major cuts to their arts programs. “Our continued partnership with Target ensures that children will receive quality arts programming—and develop the creative, innovative skills they’ll need to succeed in life,” said Capo.

The Arts Education Grants represent continued efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities nationwide. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that equals more than $3 million every week.

“At Target, our local grants are making a difference in communities across the country,” said Laysha Ward, President, Community Relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with Young Audiences New Jersey as part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen communities where our guests and team members live and work.”  

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with priority given to schools in financial need. At least five schools will be selected. The deadline for applications is 5pm, October 3, 2011. All applicants will be notified via email or phone by October 17, 2011.

For more information, and for grant applications, schools can visit www.yanj.org, or contact Liz Winter-Kuwornu at Young Audiences New Jersey, at 866-500-9265.

About Young Audiences New Jersey: Since 1973, Young Audiences New Jersey has been bringing creativity and inspiration to children and educators through innovative, curriculum-based arts education programming. Each year, YANJ artists perform for and work with nearly half a million kids across New Jersey—from pre-kindergarten through high school—serving all 21 counties with dynamic assembly presentations and artist-in-residence workshops.

YANJ is the first arts education organization designated as a major service organization by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and, as part of the national network of Young Audiences, Inc. was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Clinton. The 4,500 programs provided annually by YANJ are made possible in part through a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State and funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. Visit www.yanj-yaep.org.

About Target:  Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,750 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.

For more information: Liz Winter-Kuwornu, Young Audiences New Jersey

609-243-9000 or lwinter@yanj.org