The goal of Arts Grow SC is to provide equitable access to learning in and through the arts for South Carolina students. Areas of program focus will include:
Develop arts-rich learning environments.
Expand arts learning opportunities to young children.
Arts industry certification credentials for high school students, building on existing vocational training programs.
The American Rescue Plan, passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law March 11, 2021 by President Biden, included $121.9 billion in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds (ARP ESSER), that has been administered through the U.S. Department of Education to state educational agencies.
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) received $2.1 billion in ARP ESSER funds to help South Carolina’s public schools address the impact that COVID-19 has and continues to have on students, families, educators, and school communities. Ninety percent of these funds were distributed to school districts with amounts determined in proportion to the amount of Title I, Part A funds they received in Summer 2020 from funds under the Every Student Succeeds Act. The remaining funds, which amount to $211,205,148 are to be used for state-level activities to address learning loss, summer enrichment programs, and comprehensive after school programs.
The SCDE approved $20 million for the SCAC to implement Arts Grow SC programs and partnerships over the course of the next three years.
The American Rescue Plan, passed by the U.S. Congress and signed into law March 11, 2021 by President Biden, included $121.9 billion in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds (ARP ESSER)
Funds were distributed by the US Department of Education to state agencies to address learning loss, summer enrichment programs, and comprehensive after school programs.
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) received $2.1 billion of that to help South Carolina’s public schools address disruptions in learning resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 90% of funds were distributed directly to school districts. $210M was ear marked to combat pandemic related challenges.
$20M of funds allocated to SC Arts Commission and key partners to address pandemic related learning loss with proven, arts-based learning initiatives.
Creation of Arts Grow SC, uniting state partners to focus on arts integration, arts in early childhood, and developing arts industry certification credentials for high school students, building on existing vocational training programs.