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Lorain City students showcase gains from new arts partnerships with Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland State and Kent State
Summary
Students and teachers told the Lorain City Schools board on April 20 that recent partnerships with the Cleveland Institute of Art, Cleveland State University and Kent State University expanded scholarships, master classes and recruiting opportunities for music, dance, drama and visual arts students.
Board members heard student presentations April 20 as Lorain City Schools leaders highlighted growing postsecondary partnerships that district officials say have expanded scholarships, master classes and on‑site admissions for arts students.
Principal Nicole Davis of General Johnny Wilson Middle School introduced students who led the pledge and spoke about fundraising and student achievements. Arts staff described active partnerships with the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA), Cleveland State University (CSU) and Kent State University that, the district said, include CIA weekend intensives with scholarship support, CSU on‑site admissions and recruiting for instrumental and vocal music, and joint productions, master classes and a planned grant collaboration with Kent State.
The partnerships produced concrete results the presenters described. Student speakers said CIA provided weekend intensive courses that exposed them to equipment and kiln temperatures not available in district classes; one student said the cost of a seven‑day CIA session would be about $400 without scholarship assistance. A senior in the Lorraine High Wind Ensemble, Logan Goodman, said visiting clinicians from CSU helped the ensemble earn a 2 rating at OMEA. Hannah Pruett, a student in the district program, said she received a $6,000 scholarship offer from Cleveland State.
"Art is political. Art will always have a statement in our life," student Audre Bridal told the board, describing her work and how the CIA intensive helped her "develop my craft." Assistant principal Chris Wiggins and arts staff also described efforts to develop a joint National Endowment for the Arts proposal for the January grant window.
District staff said CIA recruiters first reached out after seeing district students' performances on YouTube and artwork displayed in the Cleveland airport, and that CIA is offering summer pre‑college scholarships and portfolio review partnerships. Cleveland State, officials said, has agreed to conduct on‑site admission decisions for arts students who meet a 2.3 GPA threshold and has been recruiting instrument, vocal, dance and drama students. Kent State has provided set pieces and costumes for the district musical, master classes and a proposed four‑year recruiting pathway.
Students who traveled to Kent State and Cleveland State described master classes, campus visits and choreography workshops that they said broadened their postsecondary awareness and gave practical skills. Arts staff thanked the district for an endowment grant and other support that, they said, enabled these opportunities.
The board was told the district has an upcoming art show next week, the school musical the following Friday and Saturday, and a dance showcase after that.
