A University of Arkansas outreach program, Arkansas A+, is using art to help students in some of Little Rock's most underserved neighborhoods.

The pilot pARTners After School Program kicked off on March 15 at Watson Elementary in south Little Rock and included 22 fourth-grade students. The grant-funded project is a partnership between Arkansas A+ and Little Rock Community Schools. The art-based program will expand to additional elementary schools in the fall.

Each after-school program is eight weeks long and includes modules in both performing and visual arts, led by local teaching artists. When school wrapped up in May, Watson Elementary students showcased their art for family, teachers and the community at a public event.

"One thing I learned from this after-school art program is how to draw better," a student named Eli said in a video. "At first, I could not draw at all."

The program revealed Tashayla's hidden talent for dance choreography. "Something I learned about myself was I am talented because I made up a dance in my mind and made it a compilation of 'What Else Can I Do,' and it showed my flexibility," she said.

Tia added, "My favorite thing about pARTners is drawing, meeting new people, and finding new ways to make art."

"Belonging" was the overarching theme for the after-school program, based on feedback from the students, said Alyssa Wilson, Arkansas A+ executive director. They participated in various projects over the eight weeks, including theatre, visual arts, music and movement.

Wilson said school administrators and teachers noticed growth in several students by the end of the pilot program. "At the showcase, I had the opportunity to speak with Assistant Principal Ealy. She let me know that she is seeing positive changes in several of the students already," Wilson said. "She mentioned two students in particular who had been quiet and withdrawn."

The assistant principal had trouble coaxing the children to chat with her much, and she didn't see them interacting with other teachers or students, either. "Ms. Ealy was thrilled to report that one of those students pulled her over to an artwork during the showcase and let her know it was hers," Wilson said. "She said the pride and excitement coming from that student was so unexpected, almost a shock, and wonderful to see. Ms. Ealy feels that both students have started interacting more, and she credits these positive changes to their involvement with this program."

Shelby Patterson, program director for A+, said the Watson after-school leader mentioned a student who didn't get along well with his homeroom teacher. Both the teacher and student were struggling. "However, that teacher was able to see his student's connection to the arts through the program and even attended the showcase to watch his performances. Having this connection through art seemed to help grow their relationship," she said.

Arkansas A+ is a U of A College of Education and Health Professions outreach program. It provides schools with ongoing professional development, an intricate network of support, and an active research component. In Arkansas A+ schools, teaching the state's mandated curriculum involves a collaborative, multi-disciplined approach with the arts — dance/movement, theater, music, creative writing and visual arts — continuously woven into every aspect of a child's learning. The hands-on curriculum ignites student learning and leads to higher achievement.