As we wrap up our 2014 program year, I want to express my sincere

thanks to my dedicated staff and generous donors. Although I would

consider all of our programming successful, one in particular stands out. I
would like to highlight the particular impact that Artology has had on our
program participants and families and consider ways to ensure its
continuation.
Artology is a 5-week summer program that uses arts and science-based
learning to create avenues for youth to explore the natural world as
stewards and caretakers. This years theme was water and included
underlying topics like environmental stewardship, cooperation, the water
cycle, as well as the human impact on water. Each weekly session began
with a story of water from around the world that supported one of the
underlying themes. Highlights included regular visits to a local farm
where participants learned about beekeeping and seasonal produce. Each
lesson was developed as an experiential activity to engage participants in
a multi-sensory way. Through an increased knowledge of the natural
environment, students were challenged to be environmental stewards and
given practical ways to do so.
33 students enrolled in the Artology program this year. Of those students,
91% were African American while 79% came from low-income families. I
am thankful to report that with the help of generous donors like Lincoln
Financial, were able to offer partial scholarship assistance to 100% of the
participants; the average subsidy per student was approximately $1,364.
The outcomes of Artology were overwhelmingly positive and would not
have been possible without the dedication, compassion, and
professionalism of our staff. 100% of parents who completed the parent
survey stated they would refer Artology to friends and would like their
child to participate again. Parents also expressed notable changes in their
children as a result of their participation in Artology. These changes
included an increased confidence in art and drawing, more knowledge
about science-related topics, as well as increased curiosity regarding the
environment and sustainability.
Although there are concerns regarding the financial sustainability of
Artology, I believe we made great strides this year to secure our financial
partners for the 2015 program year. Lincoln Financial, for example,
funded approximately 25% of the program budget and have already
committed to a continued partnership in 2015. 17.5% of our total
program budget for 2014 was allocated for Artology; the program cost per
student was approximately $1,500. Although several budget categories
were overspent, including meals and staff expenses, we underspent in
other areas and as such, were significantly under budget this year.

Once again, I want to thank my dedicated staff for their compassion and
professionalism. You made this year unique and along with our generous
financial partners, like Lincoln Financial, Douty, Henrietta Tower Wurts,
Seybert, and Allen Hilles, guaranteed the continuation of this life-changing
program. To all of you, I am sincerely grateful.