JCPenney Shoppers Encouraged to Support Arts in Education in August
/FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY (August 8, 2014) JCPenney believes that supporting arts in education is extremely important in building strong, confident and inspired students. Throughout the month of August, JCPenney shoppers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar and donate the difference to support arts in education. Contributions will be donated to JCPenney Cares to help fund national and local arts education programs through partnerships such as Young Audiences Arts for Learning, the nation’s largest arts-in-education organization.
“Arts in education is often thought of as a secondary subject, but it is a core subject that inspires young people to be creative and analytic thinkers and helps them persevere in school and their future careers,” stated David A. Dik, Young Audiences Arts for Learning’s National Executive Director.
Through round-up donations, JCPenney Cares funding will support everything from classroom resources, like instruments and art supplies, to basic teacher needs allowing for an impactful and art filled experience. The arts play a unique and critical role in helping students develop the kind of innovative skills that, when combined with a STEM education, position America’s youth to better compete in the 21st century marketplace. COMPAS is an affiliate of the Young Audiences Arts for Learning network.
About COMPAS
COMPAS powers imaginations, learning and life with the arts through a range of hands-on, art-making experiences held in Minnesota schools, libraries, shelters, hospitals, older adult residences, and community centers. Each program is created and led by its high-caliber, practicing musicians, visual artists, performers, writers and other artists. COMPAS is an experienced innovator in the field of creative, art-filled learning for people of all ages, and has been recognized for excellence from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, and the Minnesota Department of Education.
About Young Audiences Arts for Learning
Founded in 1952, Young Audiences Arts for Learning is the nation’s leading source of arts in education services. YA’s mission is to inspire young people and to expand their learning through the arts. Its network of 30 affiliates with 4,400 teaching artists and 84,000 programs reaches almost 5 million children in 9,000 schools and community centers across the country. Its services include arts-integrated workshops and residencies, and professional learning opportunities for educators and artists.
About JCPenney
J. C. Penney Company, Inc. (JCP), one of the nation`s largest apparel and home furnishing retailers, is dedicated to fitting the diversity of America with unparalleled style, quality and value. Across approximately 1,100 stores and at jcpenney.com, customers will discover a broad assortment of national, private and exclusive brands to fit all shapes, sizes, colors and wallets. For more information, please visit jcpenney.com.
Press Contacts:
COMPAS: JOAN LINCK
Development and Marketing Manager
T: 651-292-3203, E: joan@compas.org
www.COMPAS.org
Young Audiences Arts for Learning:
Marcus Romero, Communications Manager
T: 212-860-1563 X108, E: marcus@ya.org
www.youngaudiences.org
JCPenney Media Relations
T: 972-431-3400, E: jcpnews@jcp.com
www.jcpnews.com
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