I Wish I Was A Little Bit Taller
Back when I worked for the National Endowment for the Arts, I was lucky enough to be an adjudicator for the Coming Up Taller Awards, which are granted by the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities on an annual basis. These awards recognize “the accomplishments of exceptional arts and humanities after-school and out-of-school programs. Coming Up Taller finalists receive $10,000, an individualized plaque, and an invitation to attend the Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhancement Conference.” The awards ceremony, which happens in the fall, is traditionally held at the White House and the awards are bestowed by the PCAH’s honorary chair, First Lady Michelle Obama. At the most recent ceremony, the first lady captured the spirit of the Coming Up Taller Awards when she said that achievement in the arts and humanities is “a bridge to achievement in life.”
These awards go to some of the best arts education programs in the country — those that are helping American children not only understand the arts, but love and respect the arts. If you are a Fractured Atlas member (or even if you aren’t) and you fit the eligibility requirements, you should definitely apply. If you know of a program that is not your own, but that deserves to be nominated, by all means, send them the information!
Tags: Arts education, award, NEA
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