2010 BAM Youth Initiatives

The OJJDP FY 10 Earmarks Program furthers the Department's mission by providing grants, cooperative agreements, and other assistance authorized by the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974, as amended, to organizations identified in the Conference Report to accompany the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 (P.L. 111-117), H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 111-366 at 702-714.

By encouraging creativity, fostering critical thinking skills, and providing positive outlets for personal expression, the arts are a productive tool in preventing juvenile delinquency. Arts education programming for students can increase imagination, build self-esteem, and provide an innovative forum for learning. The need for arts programs that support academic achievement is particularly acute in Brooklyn: in 2006-2007, ten percent of Brooklyn schools reported dropout rates at or above 20 percent. As Brooklyn's largest cultural institution, and with its access to exceptional artistic, cultural and professional resources, Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is well-positioned to respond to this need. In 2010-2011, BAM will reach a total of 25,000 students, teachers, and families through its education programs, all of which meet city and state learning standards. BAM will reach 7,615 students through the programs including in-school workshops, school-time performances, residencies, and after-school programs. BAM's education programs serve students who are not otherwise flourishing in traditional learning environments and are in danger of falling prey to factors that statistically lead to acts of delinquency. Of the students served by BAM's education programs, up to 85% are from underserved backgrounds. To meet its program goals, BAM uses quantitative and qualitative evaluation to assess its educational offerings. NCA/NCF