In his testimony before the Senate and House of the Louisiana State Legislature, Michael M. Kaiser, President, of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts said:

"Learning through the arts reinforces crucial academic skills in reading, language arts, and math. But just as important, learning through the arts gives young people the skills they need to analyze and synthesize information, and to solve complex problems. And it works even in the most economically challenged communities."

To ensure all students in San Diego County have the opportunity to experience arts and culture, we are launching the $1 Per Child campaign.  Our goal is to raise $3,000,000 to send every child enrolled in county schools on at least one field trip each year. Currently, that's 500,000 students.

The current economic challenges have affected our schools, as well as arts and culture organizations. Local school districts are operating with smaller budgets due to cuts in Federal, State and County budgets. This has forced schools to eliminate entirely transportation for educational field trips. This lack of transportation funding prevents students from being challenged in ways that the classroom alone can?t provide.

As fewer students are exposed to the magic of arts and culture, these organizations will experience (and in fact many already have) a decline in patronage and support. The arts enrich a community and are part of what makes San Diego such an attractive destination. And they also stimulate creative thinking and innovation, skills which are needed for a robust and healthy economy.

Funds from the $1 Per Child Campaign will be put directly to use through our expanding partnerships throughout San Diego County and California. We are asking for support through cooperative arrangements with school PTA's, San Diego County school principals and teachers, corporate partners, foundations and individual donors. Supporters can give directly through the ArtsBusXpress website, www.artsbusxpress.org.

We are asking every parent to contribute $1 for every child they have enrolled in school....more if you can afford it. We are reaching out to businesses, foundations, arts and culture organizations, and individuals, to contribute the difference to make up the $3,000,000 needed annually to ensure every child in San Diego County has at least one field trip experience each year.

Sponsorships are another way individuals and businesses can support this endeavor. We will recognize your support based on your level of contribution. Please download the sponsor packet now and consider joining this effort as a major contributor.

Make your tax deductible contribution today by clicking on the donate button and making your contribution online. Or you may mail in a check to ArtsBusXpress at 2665 Ariane Dr., Suite 202A, San Diego, CA 92117.

We guarantee your support will make a difference in the lives of students we serve and the future of San Diego arts, science and cultural communities.  Thank you!