The leading childhood development researchers in the world today are pointing to a half-century of data directly showing how an Arts-based childhood experience can create a radically different life outcome for millions living with poverty and childhood trauma. 

NWA is consistently ranked near the top in America to live and raise a family. Shockingly, Washington and Benton counties lead the entire state in both childhood poverty rates and the level of the income gap between the top and bottom earners. Some estimates place the NWA childhood poverty rate between 48 to 52%. With our scholarship program, we can bridge that gap, allowing all children to have access to dance instruction. 

In the coming decade, we believe medical science and childhood psychology will only grow in its understanding and support of childhood development integrated with a psychologically-safe experience in The Arts as a proven path to transforming the lives of traumatized and poverty-stricken children.