Every young person should have the ability to explore the arts

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz is seeking a $99,500 grant through the state budget process to provide tuition assistance for families whose children participate in programs at Jackson School of the Arts.

The funding would support hundreds of Jackson County families served by Jackson School of the Arts (JSA) during the 2026–2027 fiscal year. JSA is a nonprofit community arts organization that provides year-round instruction in dance, theatre, gymnastics, visual arts, and other programs that give students creative outlets and opportunities for personal growth. Last year, more than 300 students received assistance.

Schmaltz recently testified before the House Labor and Economic Opportunity Appropriations Subcommittee in support of the request. She was joined by Amanda Loveland, executive director of Jackson School of the Arts.

“This request is all about helping kids,” Schmaltz said. “One of the best things we can do for our kids these days is help them get off their phones and away from social media and into something positive. The arts give young people a chance to be active, creative, and engaged. Jackson School of the Arts has helped thousands of kids over the past 25 years, but demand keeps growing. This funding would make sure families who want their children involved aren’t turned away simply because they can’t afford the tuition.”

Jackson School of the Arts serves roughly 900 students during the school year through after-school programming that includes art, dance, theater, gymnastics, martial arts, sculpture, and other disciplines. Approximately 300 students rely on tuition assistance to participate.

The requested funding would be used exclusively for tuition assistance during the 2026–27 fiscal year. It would not fund salaries, administrative costs, building improvements, utilities, or other operational expenses. Every dollar would go directly toward reducing tuition costs for families in need.

Tuition assistance at JSA is income-based and calculated using area median income, household size, and total household earnings. The proposed funding would fully cover tuition assistance for families experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, as well as low-income and working-class households earning 50% or less of the area median income. For many families, that assistance determines whether their children can participate in weekly programming at all.

“Sustained arts participation is strongly linked to improved academic engagement and higher graduation rates,” Loveland said. “We see our graduating seniors leave with leadership experience, public speaking confidence, and a strong sense of belonging. Many mentor younger students and develop real responsibility before entering the workforce. They also remain connected to Jackson, or just Michigan in general, because of the arts community becoming a part of their identity. For our youngest students, caregiver and child programming strengthens early literacy, physical development, and intentional family engagement.”

The House will continue reviewing budget requests as part of the state’s fiscal year 2026–27 budget process.