By Press Release Submitted to OnMilwaukee.com Published Jul 26, 2016 at 11:51 AM

Summerfest Foundation, Inc. is proud to award 12 area schools and non-profit organizations with music education grants to be used for in-school, after-school and summer education programs. A total of $25,000 in grants will be used to enhance opportunities for students who may have no exposure to instrumental music or those who could benefit from, but may not have access to advanced instruction. 

The 2016 Music Education Grant recipients are:

  • Albert E. Kagel Elementary School – Milwaukee Public Schools
  • Elm Creative Arts School – Milwaukee Public Schools
  • Humboldt Park School – Milwaukee Public Schools
  • Latino Arts String Program – The United Community Center
  • Lincoln Center of the Arts – Milwaukee Public Schools
  • Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy (MESA)
  • Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO)
  • Morse Middle School for the Gifted and Talented – Milwaukee Public Schools
  • North Division High School – Milwaukee Public Schools
  • Reagan IB High School – Milwaukee Public Schools
  • School for Early Development & Achievement (SEDA)
  • Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts 

In its second year of charitable giving, the goal of the Summerfest Foundation Music Education Grants program is to support music education in local schools and community organizations so that students have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive through music. "We whole-heartedly believe that access to music education and arts programming has a positive impact on a young person’s development," stated Don Smiley, President of Summerfest Foundation, Inc. "The twelve grant recipients share a passion for keeping our community vibrant and creative through youth-serving music education programs and we’re proud to support them."  

Anthony Soyak, Music Curriculum Specialist for Milwaukee Public Schools, offered positive feedback about the benefits of the grants. "The Summerfest Music Education Grants program provides funding that is essential in supporting new and developing music programs," says Soyak. "Funding allows Milwaukee Public Schools to provide equipment and supplies for instrumental music programs that provide equity, access and high quality music education to our students."