How CultureWorks’ programs impact academic success, mental health, & social emotional learning.
As we celebrate our 15th year of cultivating creativity, building community, and empowering students, we’re thrilled to be working with independent evaluators to assess and improve our programs! In addition to the quantitative and qualitative feedback we typically gather through surveys and registrations, the State of Michigan (through our MiLEAP OST 32N grant) conducted surveys with students, caregivers, and school counselors through Michigan State University over the past year, and compiled a comprehensive report.
The initial data (which include fall and spring programming) indicate that CultureWorks’ programs are highly impactful to teens, in regard to academic success, mental health, and social-emotional learning (SEL). While these results come as no surprise (we have 7 years of anecdotal evidence), we’re delighted to share this independently-gathered data and reporting.
Notable findings regarding academic success:
- Of students who attended CultureWorks once/week, 88% showed increased engagement in school day activities, and of those attending 2-3 times/week, 100% showed increased engagement in school day activities.
- Of those attending once/week, 61% improved on homework completion and of those attending 2-3 times per week, 89% showed improvement on homework completion.
- Of those attending once/week, 62% reported improved grades, and of those attending 2-3 times/week, 71% reported improved grades.
- 98% of students indicated that involvement at CultureWorks helps them think about their education or career future.
Notable findings regarding mental health:
- When asked how CultureWorks has helped them, many students and caregivers shared that CultureWorks programs positively impacted mental health. Some examples:
- “My child has struggled with anxiety, depression, fitting in, etc. CultureWorks has been a place where my child was accepted, supported, celebrated, and given the ability to form genuine friendships. This organization helped save my child from being suicidal. I can never repay what they have given.”
- “My daughter was struggling with mental health concerns prior to participating in Culture Works years ago. She’s been a participant yearly and has transformed into a successful, happy artist, friend, student, daughter, and citizen.”
- “One of the few spaces my teen feels safe in, and also the art they create is work they are proud of. They have especially connected with Miranda. I’m super grateful for this program. With my teen’s mental health status, it feels like a downright miracle that they want to participate in CW!!!”
- “Our daughter has really struggled to find people that share her interest and a way to connect. The program staff have created an incredible environment and made it very possible for us to give her access to the opportunity like this. It has greatly improved her mental health and overall happiness.”
- “The impact of CultureWorks on our family has been great. This is our children’s home away from home! They feel safe, welcomed and included. They love their time at CW and it has positively impacted their mental health in great ways!!!!”
- “Our teen attends an alternative, online school program because health conditions currently make in-person schooling a bad fit. Cultureworks has become one of their primary social engagements, one that gets them into community with other people – both their age and adults. It has become their favorite enrichment activity, sparking imagination, building up what they see themselves as capable of, and giving them something to look forward to.”
- “I know this sounds dramatic, but Culture Works is a transformational organization and my family is eternally grateful for all it has provided my daughter.”
- “As a recent widow I found myself thrust into single parenting this year. I wasn’t sure how I could find enriching activities for my son due to cost
with our sudden shift in income having only my salary available, but also due to transportation obstacles. CultureWorks was able to help overcome both barriers. Through this class my son experienced graphic design in a somewhat formal yet approachable setting. Due to curriculum requirements for my son’s particular needs and high school pathway, taking this type of class is not an option for him at his high school. The opportunity to do so at CultureWorks helped inform his career direction and choice of whether or not to pursue a graphic design path at the area ISD program in his junior and senior year of high school. CultureWorks also gave my son experience interacting with a career professional who works for a well known and respected company, sort of like a role model and networking opportunity rolled into one. The class kept my grieving teen from being home alone with nothing but video games and TV to occupy his time, for at least one day per week after school.”
Notable findings regarding social-emotional learning (SEL):
- 100% of caregivers for students attending 1-3 times/week indicated that their student showed improvement in soft skills (ie: believing that abilities can be improved through effort, effectively regulating emotions, willing to learn about others’ perspectives, developing healthy friendships, and wanting to be helpful to others.)
- 100% of caregivers reported that our programs helped their student avoid excessive screen time.
- Students overwhelmingly agree that the positive climate at CultureWorks helps them develop social and emotional skills:
- 100% agree that adult leaders at CultureWorks care about them
- 98% feel comfortable telling their problems to adults at CultureWorks
- 91% agree that the program helps them make new friends
- Students overwhelmingly agree that their voice matters – they experience agency in choosing their activities, help with planning activities, projects and events, are asked for input on programs, and help other students at CultureWorks.
- 87% of students indicated that CultureWorks helps them understand their identities (race, social class, etc).
- 93% of students said they feel comfortable expressing all their identities at CultureWorks.
- 98% of students agreed that CultureWorks encourages them be the best they can be.
Behind all of this data are some simple, foundational truths:
- Relationships are at the heart of our programs.
- Arts education is a vehicle for personal and professional growth.
- Youth-Adult partnerships empower young leaders while improving programs.
- Accessibility is critical for participation.
Since November of 2024 (the beginning of our MiLEAP OST grant cycle), feedback from funders and constituents indicated growing anxiety over the socio-political climate, financial instability, and economic uncertainty. This negatively impacted registration numbers, program income through our pay-what-you-can- afford model, and available grants, sponsorships, & donations. Given the increased need demonstrated through enrollments and a 269% increase in need for scholarships, we pivoted to a free model of registration at the start of this fiscal year (June).
Increased accessibility resulted in a stunning 154% increase in summer registrations, with 50 on waiting lists! We hope to continue offering these impactful programs and services, but our State budget remains stalled, and recent drafts have eliminated funding for Arts and Culture and dedicated funding for Out-of-School-Time (OST) grants. The loss of these funds would total nearly $85,000 for CultureWorks (28% of our total budget.)
Please stand with us, and protect access for all students. Contact your legislators today and ask them to support funding for Michigan Arts and Culture Council and MiLEAP 32N Out-of-School-Time. Thank you!
Contact Governor Whitmer HERE
Find your legislators HERE
