NEW YORK, NY – Young Audiences Arts for Learning (YA) is proud to announce the launch of its Educational Advancement through STEM Engagement (EASE) project, a transformative initiative designed to improve K-5 math and science achievement through arts-integrated STEM learning. EASE is funded by a $6 million Early-Phase Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Education, with an award period running from 2025 through 2029.
EASE is a collaborative effort among the YA National Office and its network affiliates ArtsNOW (Atlanta, GA) and Young Audiences of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA). The initiative will be implemented in three major school districts in the Southeast: Richmond County (GA), Greenville County Schools (SC), and Jefferson Parish Schools (LA), focusing on schools with high percentages of economically disadvantaged students in need of stronger supports in math and science. EASE aims to address student learning gaps through innovative teaching strategies while ensuring all students have access to high-quality educational resources and opportunities.
Programmatically, EASE will deliver 18 arts-integrated STEM units aligned with state standards in math, science, and the arts, providing students with hands-on, creative learning experiences that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition, the program will offer multi-year professional development for teachers, including summer institutes, quarterly coaching, and in-class modeling led by arts consultants. School leaders will also receive training to support and sustain the implementation of arts-integrated instruction. Over 5,700 students will be served by EASE over its five-year project period.
The project is further strengthened by key partnerships with Xavier University of Louisiana, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), and Georgia Institute of Technology, which bring expertise in STEM content and innovative teaching strategies.
“The EASE project is a vital step in addressing the national gaps in STEM education,” said David A. Dik, National Executive Director of Young Audiences Arts for Learning. “By integrating the arts with math and science, we aim to engage diverse learners, promote creativity, and ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to high-quality STEM education.”
The project will be evaluated in two phases: A feasibility study will pilot the program in one school per district, and an impact study will later expand the program to 27 schools and assess outcomes. Success will be measured through gains in standardized test scores, teacher engagement, and student participation. A key research goal is to examine how strengthening teachers' ability to deliver arts-integrated instruction can improve student achievement. EASE has the potential to transform how instructional time is used, equipping educators with more effective strategies to meet curricular standards nationwide.
About Young Audiences Arts for Learning
Founded in 1952, Young Audiences Arts for Learning (Young Audiences) is the nation’s largest arts in education network, serving 25 states and impacting 5 million young people each year. Young Audiences works to support affiliated organizations that are each dedicated to playing a decisive role in young people’s personal, artistic, and educational development. Learn more about Young Audiences and our mission to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts at www.youngaudiences.org.
