Research shows a positive association between arts participation and a number of desirable academic and social outcomes, such as school grades, test scores, enrollment in post-secondary education, attainment of a bachelor’s degree, and higher levels of literacy and civic engagement. (Child Trends, 2013)

This year in Kentucky 4-H, 33,541 youth revealed in an end of program evaluation that they have improved their communications skills through participation in Kentucky 4-H Communication and Expressive Arts programming. Twenty-two thousand nine hundred and forty-nine youth stated that they now have confidence speaking in front of groups.  Finally, 12,970 youth shared that they can now express themselves through the arts.