Trenton, NJ. March 25—On Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Young Audiences Arts for Learning President & CEO Michele Russo testified at the assembly budget hearing at the New Jersey State House in Trenton. She was supported by Trustee Ed Greene and Development Manager Kerri-Ann Munoz.

Russo testified in support of arts education to Chair of the Assembly Budget Committee Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin and Vice Chair Assemblywoman Ellen J. Park and the committee, including Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, an outspoken champion of arts education. Although not on the Budget Committee, it was noted that Assemblywoman Shama Haider has also shown commitment to arts education. 

Russo emphasized that yearly, Young Audiences serves more than 250,000 children and 13,000 teachers in more than 400 schools in all 21 counties of New Jersey. YA’s arts program engages students, especially those who are struggling. Research has shown that having arts programming in schools addresses many of the challenges schools face. An arts education improves student attendance, increases empathy and understanding, and boosts confidence.

Funding is especially needed now since more than 70% of YA’s programs are grant-funded. Russo shared, “Demand is increasing—in a recent application process, we selected 43 schools but still had to turn away 34, simply because our grant funds wouldn’t go far enough.” 

The grant-funded programs bring arts programming to schools and students who would otherwise miss out on essential arts experiences. Access to the arts remains disproportionately low in schools serving BIPOC students and those experiencing income inequality. 

YA has the potential to create a significant impact on a state-wide scale, but this critical work requires collaboration from philanthropy, education, and state government. 

“We thank our arts education champions in the Assembly. And we urge this committee to increase funding for arts education and invest in the New Jersey Department of Education’s efforts to strengthen arts education for our state’s students,” said Russo.

View the complete testimony here.