An Inside Look Into Ingenuity’s Creative Schools Fund Grant Program with Monarcas Academy
Opportunities to enrich students' lives with arts programming can be transformative. One of those opportunities is support from the Chicago Public Schools' (CPS) Creative Schools Fund (CSF) grant program. This grant is a beacon of hope for schools looking to bolster their arts curriculum and offer students a unique learning experience they might not have access to otherwise.
In this blog post, we share how Monarcas Academy earned the CSF grant with the support of Design Dance, a proud part of The Brainchild Collective, to infuse arts into their educational framework. We’ll highlight how they used the grant program to enrich their arts program, the impact on its students, and what’s required from schools that are interested in earning the CSF grant for their students.
How it Started
In the previous year, Monarcas had a vision to leverage the CSF grant to bring improv to their fifth graders. It was a remarkable journey for both students and educators. It enabled the school to create a program that younger grades could look forward to and reward fifth graders with a unique experience outside their traditional arts program.
For The Brainchild Collective instructors, it was truly inspiring to witness these students develop their individual voices through the program and, in parallel, learn to collaborate better with their peers. This was the true magic of the improv program, encouraging students to listen, work together, and share ideas.
Showcasing Monarcas’ Diversity
One standout feature of Monarcas' engagement with the CSF grant was their dedication to inclusivity. With a significant number of Spanish-speaking students, they took a bold step by organizing a joint showcase to share with parents and educators what their students learned from the improv program that year. The showcase catered to both English and Spanish-speaking students, bridging linguistic gaps and fostering a sense of unity within the school community. This commitment to inclusivity exemplifies how the CSF grant encourages schools to adapt their programs to meet the unique needs of their students.
Behind the Scenes: Earning the CSF Grant Application
While the end result of a CSF grant is the infusion of arts into a school's curriculum, the journey to obtain it is equally important. Monarcas Academy’s experience sheds light on what it takes to secure this grant.
Clear Vision: Schools need to have a clear vision of how the arts program will benefit their students. Whether it's filling gaps in arts instruction, expanding the curriculum, or enhancing teacher skills, schools must articulate their goals for arts integration.
Teacher Involvement: The commitment of teachers to the grant's implementation is crucial. Collaboration between arts teachers and other educators in the school helps integrate arts across the curriculum, creating a more holistic learning experience.
Administrator Support: The school's administrators must be enthusiastic about the program, as their support is essential in making the grant a success. From scheduling to creating space for showcases, administrators play a vital role.
Professional Development: The grant offers opportunities for professional development for both teachers and staff. This investment not only benefits students but also strengthens the school's overall educational framework.
The True Value of the CSF Grant
While the $10,000 grant is undoubtedly valuable, its real worth lies in the access it provides to arts programming that schools might otherwise struggle to afford. It offers students a chance to explore various forms of dance, theater, and improv, enriching their educational experience.
Moreover, the process of applying for the grant fosters collaboration among teachers and administrators. Even if a school doesn't win, the experience can guide them in implementing arts programs using alternative resources.
Looking Forward
The CSF grant is more than just a financial boost; it's an opportunity for schools to explore and embrace the transformative power of the arts. Beyond the $10,000, it offers a chance for schools to form meaningful partnerships, foster inclusivity, and empower students through creative education.
As we celebrate the success of Monarcas Academy and other schools benefiting from the CSF grant, we recognize that this initiative represents a broader commitment to arts education in Chicago. By expanding access to the arts and encouraging collaboration within schools, the CSF grant is paving the way for a brighter future for students across the city.
In the end, it's not just about the funding; it's about the lasting impact on students' lives and the invaluable experience of integrating arts into education. The CSF grant program continues to be a beacon of hope, nurturing creativity and fostering a love for the arts in the hearts of Chicago's students.
