Photo caption: Nova the Rebel, YCSD Artist-in-Residence, with scholars
Youngstown City School District (YCSD) is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded nine Ohio Arts Council (OAC) TeacherArts Ohio Fund grants, marking the third consecutive year the district has achieved this significant recognition.
These grants are part of a historic funding round approved by the Ohio Arts Council, which allocated a record-breaking $22,704,702 in grants to support artists, nonprofits, educators, and public arts programming across the state during its July 24, 2024, board meeting.
The OAC's unprecedented investment represents the agency's most significant single round of grant awards distributed to funding applicants. This milestone demonstrates Ohio's commitment to advancing the arts and ensuring broad access to cultural programming and creative opportunities for residents, including students in school districts like Youngstown.
Bridget Lambright-Tommelleo, YCSD's STEAM and Fine Arts Curriculum Supervisor, expressed her pride in the district's success. "It is an incredible honor to be among the recipients during this historic moment for arts funding in Ohio," Tommelleo said. "These nine grants will allow us to continue providing our scholars with exceptional arts programming, nurturing their creativity, and offering them opportunities that build both their artistic and academic skills."
Once again, Youngstown City School District's elementary and middle school scholars will experience an exciting and transformative journey through the district's ongoing Artist-in-Residence program, led by renowned artist Nova the Rebel. His dynamic energy, encouragement, and passion for hip-hop have inspired scholars to come out of their shells while creating and performing with confidence.
This year, Nova's new workshops, Hip Hop to Being Safe, Respectful, and Responsible and Rockin' Attendance With Hip Hop, have already been met with enthusiasm and excitement from scholars. By incorporating key messages of safety, respect, responsibility, and the importance of regular school attendance, Nova engages scholars in a way that resonates with their experiences and helps reinforce positive behaviors through creative expression.
The Artist-in-Residence program is a cornerstone of YCSD's mission to provide creative, innovative learning opportunities that align with the district's STEAM and arts education initiatives. The TeachArts Ohio's Fund grants, a testament to the Ohio Arts Council's commitment to advancing the arts, will be instrumental in supporting a wide range of initiatives in the district. These include the artist in residence, music and visual arts programs, and community events.
The practical benefits of these projects made possible through the generosity of the OAC, will be felt by scholars across the district, deepening their engagement with artseducation and providing them with creative, engaging experiences.
For more information about the Ohio Arts Council and its grant programs, visit the OAC website at [www.oac.ohio.gov](https://oac.ohio.gov).