ARTS PARTNERS RECEIVES $15,000 GRANT FROM
SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS FOR STEM LEARNING THROUGH THE ARTS PROJECT

Wichita, KS – Spirit AeroSystems has awarded Arts Partners a $15,000 grant to use for innovative arts programming that will support student learning specifically in the areasof STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). For fourteen years, Arts Partners has worked with professional teaching artists and local arts and cultural organizations to ignite the full creative potential of all young people in the Wichita area. The goal of Arts Partners STEM Learning through the Arts initiative is to develop and expand arts-integrated workshops and residencies that enhance student learning in STEM subjects for elementary, middle and high school students.

“ Arts Partners has created a unique series of programs and workshops that will help Wichita's students understand STEM concepts using out-of-the-box arts methods,” said Brian Black, Spirit AeroSystems senior manager of global diversity and community relations. “Since our business and our products are based on principles of math and science, Spirit AeroSystems was intrigued by the idea and jumped at the opportunity to support it. After all, we could very well be enhancing the learning experience of the next generation of Spirit AeroSystems employees.”

The project includes funding for Arts Partners STEM Learning through the Arts programs at four schools: Coleman Middle School, Jardine Technology Middle Magnet, Linwood Elementary School and Mueller Aerospace and Engineering Magnet Elementary School.

“ We believe that an arts-rich education provides children with the critical tools to nurture innovation and creativity in school and beyond,” said Katie Lynn, executive director of Arts Partners. “In a 2010 survey by IBM of more than 1,500 Chief Executive Officers, creativity was selected as the most crucial factor for future success. The CEOs ‘believe that -- more than rigor, management discipline, integrity or even vision -- successfully navigating an increasing complex world will require creativity.’ Schools are very enthusiastic about this project as a way of exciting students about math, science and technologies as well as helping students understand the connection between the classroom and the workplace.”

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