Large numbers of school children do not complete high school. These statistics include a growing number of white males. The evidence shows that children must be motivated and exposed to rich educational experiences long before they begin high school if they are to complete high school (Harvard Civil Rights Project 2004). The arts are essential to keep children motivated and actively engaged in learning. Research shows (Wehlage, 1983) that effective urban high schools with high graduation rates often include a career focus; hence, ScholARTS begins this important and motivational work in the elementary grades. Our research component will monitor, mentor and record the retention of all ScholARTS graduates who live within a fifty mile radius of the school until they complete high school, which is our long-term goal for each child.

"Preparing students for the future workforce is the major stimulus generating the changes in education....What children learn and experience during their early years can shape their views of themselves and the world, and affect later success or failure in school, work, and their personal lives" US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor statistics (2003). Fortunately, "...a dropout-prone student may be visible as early as the third grade" (Hodgkinson, 1985, p.12).

If we wait until high school to address children's needs, it will be too late for too many of them. This includes children form all racial and socioeconomic groups- not just poor children, low achieving children, or minority children. Dropout rates are too high for all of America's children. Scholarts will increase numbers of urban youngsters who complete high school by addressing their needs much earlier!