Howard County Arts Council Receives Grant from Target

The Howard County Arts Council (HCAC) has received a $2,000 grant from Target for its Head StART in ART program. This grant will help the Arts Council continue its ongoing partnership with Howard County Head Start by providing teaching artists who will conduct residencies in visual and performing arts at the Ellicott City Head Start Center.

HCAC established the Head StART in ART program in FY2000 in partnership with the Ellicott City Head Start Center to provide hands-on experiences in the arts for pre-K students from low-income families. This program provides students with opportunities to explore the arts and their own creativity under the guidance and inspiration of a visiting artist. Head StART in ART has been cited as a model early childhood arts education program by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Maryland State Arts Council.

Coleen West, Howard County Arts Council Executive Director says, "We are extremely proud of the Head StART in ART program. Education is one of the most important tools that we have to beat poverty, and quality early education is the key to success. An essential component of a quality education is the arts. Head StART in ART provides at-risk children with an early introduction to the arts and creative play, which builds social and cognitive skills, encourages exploration, builds self confidence, and instills a love of discovery and learning that will last a lifetime!"

The Head Start Program is a federally funded program that has been helping low-income families and preschool children across the country since 1965. Head Start offers pre-school programs for 3, 4, and 5 year-old children from low-income families, providing them with a stimulating and educational experience in a group setting. This worthwhile program gives the children a "head start" toward a successful future.

Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit to communities; that giving equals more than $4 million a week. Target is on track to give $1 billion for education by the end of 2015. For more information about Target's community giving, visit target.com/education.

For more information, contact the Arts Council at 410-313-2787 or visit the website at www.hocoarts.org.