Testimonies from participants

Participants' gains in art knowledge were difficult to determine because of late administration of the preprogram art knowledge survey. Testimonies from participants and art instructors suggest, however, that the youth did learn a considerable amount about the different art forms that were taught, and, more important, youth had a greater interest in and appreciation for the arts after being involved in the program. The desire expressed by youth for the Urban smARTS program to be offered in sixth grade and ninth grade, both transitional years for most students, was evidence of their enthusiasm for the program.