Many of us participate in the arts: music, theater, works of art and other fine arts. They can make many of us appreciate art: music, theater, painting, and a variety of works of art. They can beautify our reality and give us pleasure and a different perspective. But did you realize that art can significantly affect the development of young people?

Research shows that openness to the arts can help adolescents build numerous positive skills and abilities that are valued by pioneers and businesses, such as diligence, joint efforts, imaginative thinking, critical thinking, inspiration and thinking. In addition, research shows that openness to the arts can increase adolescents’ self-confidence and improve their academic performance.

However, many art programs in schools are essentially constrained by monetary imperatives. When a school is facing financial difficulties, for legitimate reasons, the school focuses on mathematics, science, history and English lessons rather than music, drawing or drama lessons. The problem is that the schools facing such difficult choices are regularly schools that serve children with low socioeconomic status. Schools with unsuitable and at-risk youth can provide minimal funding for quality art programs, but research shows that these young people will benefit most.

A recent report shows that low socioeconomic adolescents and young people seeking artistic activities have better school results, higher vocational goals and better vacancies. A review of The Arts and Achievements of Young People at Risk: Findings from Four Longitudinal Studies was distributed in a report by the American National Endowment for the Arts. Among the main findings of the review:

Better academic outcomes

Adolescents and young people with low socio-economic levels and an environment marked by deep inclusion in the arts achieve better school performance than less artistically open. They earn higher grades and have a higher university enrollment rate and a higher academic performance rate.

Higher career goals

Students with a deep energy for the arts have significantly greater professional desires than young people without an art education. Much of all young people with low socio-economic status and high participation in the arts are trusted to work in areas such as law, medicine, education or business, as opposed to 21% of those who have a small art.

More socially engaged

Young people who have a higher artistic participation in high school are destined to be socially attracted than young people who do not vote with a slightly undeniable contribution and do not participate in close legislative or school affairs.