Essential Arts: BBB4E’s impact to the community
As our communities just begin to assess the academic and social impacts on youth from the COVID-19 pandemic, many studies point to the importance of social emotional learning, which is promoted by programs like Books, Brushes & Bands for Education.
According to the Indiana Youth Institute 2023 Kids Count Data Book, Lake County rates .89 on a scale of 0 to 1, on the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). This index refers to potential negative effects on communities caused by external stresses on human health. SVI is comprised of 16 social factors, grouped into four related themes:
Socioeconomic Status; Household Characteristics; Racial & Ethnic Minority Status; and Housing Type & Transportation. Families in BBB4E experience these social stresses in a range of ways.
Specifically for Hammond, 23% of students kindergarten through ninth grade read at or above their grade level and 15% can do math at or above their grade level, based on Fall 2022 i-Ready exam scores. While this is an improvement from recent years, according to NWI times, Hammond students still trail the statewide totals of 41% reading at or above their grade level and 35% doing math at or above their grade level. (NWI TIMES).
Learning music at an early age helps students develop foundational math and reading skills. It helps the body and the mind work together. Exposing children to music during early development helps them learn the sounds and meanings of words. BBB4E small classes and family focused staff seek to improve overall stability and mental health. Children’s brains develop faster with music training (Brain and Creativity Institute (BCI) at USC).
All of these factors promote the idea of school and “community connectedness.” According to the CDC, increasing the sense among all students that they are cared for, supported, and belong is one key strategy to improve youth health and well-being. (CDC)
Effective programs include approaches like providing safe and trusted adults such as mentors or trained teachers and connecting teens to their peers and communities through clubs and community outreach. These programs help kids know they matter and are not alone.
The Midwest Youth Music program takes this commitment to students to another level. Every voice and every instrument in the choir, band or orchestra matters to the overall sound of the group. Families connect and socialize at free visual arts and literacy workshops and family game nights. Instructors and staff like Tamla Day-Gilbert, Family Engagement-Coordinator, make ongoing meaningful connections with students and families.
For Lake County, creating these spaces of accessible connections is more important than ever. On average, for every 650 students there is one school counselor. The numbers are even more stark for social workers. Meanwhile, on average Lake county has the most expensive before and after school-care in the state. “The availability of childcare is a fundamental component to economic success, not just for children and parents, but to the communities and state. At the family level, access to quality and affordable childcare has benefits to both the child and the parent(s),”(IYI County Dashboard).
The School City of Hammond now receives free and reduced lunch district-wide because over 70% of students in Hammond qualify for it, indicating the economic status of many families in the area (Indiana Department of Education).
In the last five years Indiana college enrollment rates have dropped 10 percent from 63% to 53%. While college is not the only path, BBB4E hopes to help students make an informed choice about their options and prepare them for their next steps in life.
Books, Brushes & Bands for Education is a pathway for students to learn more about themselves. Continued participation in the arts has the potential to improve academic excellence and self-confidence. We imagine a more connected and engaged community and believe access to quality art experiences is an essential part of that future.
