Princeton, NJ. January 29—Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman joined leaders from arts and education institutions for a roundtable discussion at McCarter Theatre in Princeton to continue the critical conversation about the need for arts and arts education for our most vulnerable community members, including immigrant families and children who receive special education services.

During the 2-hour conversation, leaders detailed the growing crisis for students that results in trauma and mental health challenges, and the role of the arts plays in building community and engagement. The discussion highlighted the day-to-day impacts in their communities and expressed support for the Congresswoman’s continued advocacy and voice in DC.

Michele Russo, President & CEO of Young Audiences Arts for Learning, shared, “Since 2019, the data shows significant challenges in children’s mental health. Our teaching artists are committed to using the arts to support students’ mental health and well-being. We’re working to provide resources and tools for cost-effective interventions that uplift students and give them tools for self-expression and confidence building.”

Dr. Jorden Schiff, Assistant Commissioner for Teaching and Learning Services, NJ Department of Education, shared, “When children are coming to school scared, fearful, or just not coming at all, learning doesn't occur.”

Carin Berkowitz, Executive Director of the NJ Council on the Humanities, shared, “The arts and the humanities have both always been places where people could see themselves represented, see themselves as central. When arts and humanities organizations can no longer tell the wide variety of stories of the people of this country, that harms every one of us, but it especially harms the mental health of students who now feel that their stories don't matter.

Participants shared critical insights into the needs and impacts observed within District 12 and New Jersey's schools and communities. The discussion covered how their respective organizations are continuing to provide vital services and explored strategies to sustain vision, hope, and a sense of connection, particularly for young people, moving forward.

Principal of Grant Intermediate School in Trenton, Jennifer Santiago shared, “Grant School welcomes a diverse and high-need population of students: 54% of our students are Multilingual Learners. 23% of our students receive services through an IEP. 100% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The learning that comes with the arts includes exposure to a different way of thinking, thinking outside of the box, seeing the opportunity to make a living through something that they love, and expressing who they are.”

Rep. Watson Coleman concluded the discussion, “I appreciate this conversation. I feel better engaged to advocate for policy and funding that support programs at the intersection of education, arts education, and mental health. We’re united in the goal of making sure this country has an educated, well-rounded population, and the arts play a critical role in achieving that goal.”

Participants included: Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12); Carin Berkowitz, Executive Director, NJ Council on the Humanities, Board Chair: ArtPride NJ; Brooke Boertzel, Education Director McCarter Theatre; James Gee, Stono Public Affairs, Moderator; Martin Miller, Executive Director, McCarter Theatre; Mary Reece, Director of Special Projects, Foundation for Education Administration; Founding Board Member ArtsEdNJ; Michele Russo, President and CEO, Young Audiences; Jennifer Santiago, Principal, Grant Intermediate School, Trenton; Dr. Jorden Schiff, Assistant Commissioner Teaching and Learning Services, NJ Department of Education; Alex Shaw, Percussionist, Teaching Artist, Young Audiences; and Lynne Toye, Executive Director, NJ Arts and Culture Renewal Fund; Trustee, ArtPride NJ.

Photos from the event can be viewed here: https://app.air.inc/a/b63fca35a

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About Young Audiences Arts for Learning New Jersey and Eastern PA

Young Audiences Arts for Learning NJ & Eastern PA, established in 1973, is the leading arts-in-education resource in the region, offering artist-led performances, workshops, residencies, and professional learning programs to schools across New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. With an extensive roster of professional teaching artists spanning various art forms, Young Audiences has impacted more than 15 million children in its 50-year history. Committed to inspiring young minds and fostering inclusive learning environments, Young Audiences strives to ensure that every child receives rich and meaningful arts experiences. Through diverse and accessible programs, the organization aims to strengthen arts education, meet curriculum standards, and enrich cultural life in communities throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. To learn more, visit yanjep.org.