First Lady Michelle Obama with Madeleine Steczynski and Ixchel Garcia of ZUMIX at the 2011 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards ceremony at the White House. Photo: Steven Purcell
First Lady Michelle Obama with Madeleine Steczynski and Ixchel Garcia of ZUMIX at the 2011 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards ceremony at the White House. Photo: Steven Purcell
The ZUMIX drumline concentrates on keeping in rhythm during practice. (L-R) Angelina Botticelli, Rosa Martinez, Britney Blevins, Kassandra Otero, Juan Landaverde. Photo: Lou Jones
The ZUMIX drumline concentrates on keeping in rhythm during practice. (L-R) Angelina Botticelli, Rosa Martinez, Britney Blevins, Kassandra Otero, Juan Landaverde. Photo: Lou Jones
Alexis Kaiserlian, with the help of her mentor, Javon Dismuke, works on a project for the summer Team Internship program. Photo: Courtesy of UICA
Alexis Kaiserlian, with the help of her mentor, Javon Dismuke, works on a project for the summer Team Internship program. Photo: Courtesy of UICA
The Gadgets and Sculpture That Moves! class is mesmerized as their teacher demonstrates an activity. Photo: Courtesy of Fleisher Art Memorial
The Gadgets and Sculpture That Moves! class is mesmerized as their teacher demonstrates an activity. Photo: Courtesy of Fleisher Art Memorial
A dance class of eager students in the Positive Directions Through Dance program rehearse their best ballet technique. Photo: John Woo
A dance class of eager students in the Positive Directions Through Dance program rehearse their best ballet technique. Photo: John Woo
Young singers get into the music during a performance with the Young People’s Chorus. Photo: Stephanie Berger
Young singers get into the music during a performance with the Young People’s Chorus. Photo: Stephanie Berger

“These outstanding programs are expanding horizons, changing lives, and helping young people fulfill their dreams—across America and around the world. Each of these programs is using achievement in the arts and humanities as a bridge to achievement in life.”

First Lady Michelle Obama
Honorary Chairman
President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities

Welcome

The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities is pleased to present the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards to outstanding after-school and out-of-school programs that are transforming the lives of young people. Programs that receive the award exemplify how arts and humanities programs outside of the regular school day enrich the lives of young people throughout the country by teaching new skills, nurturing creativity, and building self-confidence. These programs offer high-quality and intensive instruction on weekends, afternoons, and summer vacations, providing a safe and productive space for young people in the hours when they are often the most vulnerable. Their carefully focused projects supplement in-school curricula with exposure to a wide variety of artistic and scholastic pursuits. Arts and humanities education has always been a priority for the President’s Committee and is a major focus of the Committee’s ongoing efforts. We are proud of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award's long record of success in acknowledging and supporting these inspiring programs.

George Stevens, Jr.
Co-Chairman
President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities

Margo Lion
Co-Chairman
President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities