Equitable Arts Education Enhancement Act
The Equitable Arts Education Enhancement Act would create a new, competitive grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Education to support arts education at minority-serving institutions (MSIs). The goal is to increase minority students’ access to arts education and strengthen MSI arts programs through funding for a wide range of activities—from student financial aid and mentorship to outreach, professional development, and opportunities to exhibit and preserve minority artwork. Grants may also fund partnerships with nonprofit arts organizations to provide apprenticeships, internships, and field experiences, as well as wraparound supports for arts students. The bill emphasizes funding that directly benefits minority students and authorizes any necessary funding to carry out the program. Definitions clarify that “MSIs” are institutions designated under the Higher Education Act, and “arts” covers a broad spectrum of art forms.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a competitive, Department of Education grant program to support arts education at minority-serving institutions.
- 2Eligible recipients are minority-serving institutions; applicants must submit an eligible plan or application as required by the Secretary.
- 3Authorized uses of funds include student support, outreach and development for arts programs, wraparound services, exhibitions and stewardship of minority art, paid internships and fellowships, stipends for training and clinical experiences, mentoring programs for future arts educators, and professional learning for teachers and mentor staff.
- 4The Secretary must give special consideration to uses of funds that directly benefit minority students.
- 5Funding is authorized on a need-based basis with no specific dollar amount set in the bill; the bill authorizes “such sums as may be necessary” to carry out the section.