MassArt’s Free Four-Year College Prep Program Gets Big Financial Boost
- Press Release
- Artward Bound
BOSTON – Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) President Mary Grant today announced the college has been granted $250,000 from the Rappaport Foundation to support MassArt’s signature college prep program, Artward Bound. The 4-year program serves high school students from low-income families in the greater Boston area by providing the artistic training and academic support needed for admission to college. The program is offered at no cost to participating students providing an important opportunity for them to deeply explore an art and design education and to help prepare them for success in college and beyond.
All of us working in higher education today have an obligation to ensure that the education available on our campuses is within reach for students of all backgrounds,” said Dr. Grant. “I am profoundly grateful to the Rappaport Foundation for this funding that will help us further our pursuit of exposing more young people to the power of art and design and to showing them why their talents are needed to help shape the future of our communities and lead in the innovation and creative economies.
Artward Bound will serve more than 40 students this year, mostly from underserved communities in and around Boston. Since its launch in 2011, 100% of students enrolled in Artward Bound have graduated high school and 96% have enrolled in college. 91% of the students enrolled in the program are people of color.
“For 25 years, The Rappaport Foundation has supported emerging artists through the Rappaport Art Prize at the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. We are thrilled to support the next generation of artists through MassArt’s Artward Bound program,” said Timothy Medlock, Executive Director of the Rappaport Foundation. “The Foundation’s
gift will provide Artward Bound with the funds to expand enrollment and welcome more talented students into its program.”
Each year, Artward Bound starts with a six-week Summer Session that includes academic mornings and intensive art-making afternoons. This year’s session kicked-off in early July. During the school year, students take part in art classes twice a week, which include visits to museums, studios, and career-building workshops, and participate in academic sessions at least once a week.
Artward Bound students are the youngest population to receive funding from The Rappaport Foundation. The $250,000 grant will ensure the Artward Bound Program can expand much needed arts education combined with academic tutoring for students who exhibit talent but lack the resources to develop their interest in art and design.
MassArt, founded in 1873, is this year celebrating its 150th anniversary as the only independent public college of art and design in the nation.
About Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is a public, independent institution that prepares artists, designers, and educators to shape communities, economies, and cultures for the common good. Since 1873, MassArt has built a legacy of leadership as the first freestanding public college of art and design in the country, and the nation’s first art school to grant a degree. MassArt offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in art, design, and art education, taught by world-class faculty.
About the Rappaport Foundation
The Phyllis & Jerome Lyle Rappaport Foundation partners with Boston’s leading institutions to promote and nurture emerging leaders in the fields of public policy, neurodegenerative disease, mental health, and the arts. Together, the Foundation improves the quality of life in Boston and beyond while mobilizing new generations of collaborative leaders who inspire, innovate and influence.
