In recognition of the proven benefits the arts have been shown to have for children, many members of Mountain Area Performing Arts Association have programs benefiting the young. These benefits include development of important communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, and can result in positive outcomes ranging from providing constructive energy outlets to scoring higher on SATs. Please contact MAPAA members directly for more information about their individual youth-oriented program(s).

Brasstown Concert Association
For each of its six concerts each season, Brasstown Concert Association provides up to 20 tickets to middle and high school students in Clay and Cherokee counties. Additionally, each season, the association contracts two of its artists to perform for students in a school in Cherokee or Clay counties.

 John C. Campbell Folk School
The Folk School offers two stellar programs benefiting youth. During Little/Middle Folk School, children ages 7-17 have the opportunity to learn about Appalachian culture and take part in hands-on programs, including dance and singing in addition to many craft and art classes. Intergenerational Week pairs children ages 12 and older with an adult family member as they explore art, music and traditional mountain craft together in a friendly, supportive environment.

 Licklog Players
As part of Licklog Player’s mission to build community through theatre, each year the theatre sponsors Peacock Pride, a children’s summer theatre workshop. This workshop gives students, ages 8-18, the opportunity to gain self-confidence, to develop better communication skills, and learned from a faculty of versed professionals.

 Mountain Classic Dance Company
Each year, this dance group offers four scholarships worth $2,000 each for dance lessons and costumes to students who would otherwise be unable to attend. Additionally, by performing in Towns County, Georgia schools, and other venues such as the cancer-battling Relay for Life, Mountain Classic Dance Company reaches approximately 650 students each year.

 Stecoah Valley Center
.Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) Program is designed to help the children (grades 3rd -8th) of Graham County, NC gain an understanding and appreciation of their musical heritage by offering classes in traditional Appalachian music. In addition, local musicians instruct and train the children to become skilled on the stringed instrument of their choice including banjo, fiddle mandolin or guitar. Their ability to play an instrument and perform the special music of the mountains instills pride in the children and helps preserve this art form for future generations.

 World Music & Jazz Society
Promoting enhanced music interest among young people is a key annual emphasis for World Music & Jazz Society. Each year the organization provides a number of full scholarships for gifted local students to attend intensive summer workshops in jazz and classical music. To date, WMJS has enabled more than 45 regional students to pursue advanced music studies with outstanding educators in Kentucky, Colorado, New Jersey, and Tennessee as well as its home state of North Carolina.

Young Harris College
Young Harris College’s Fine Arts Department produces an annual children’s play, offering free admittance to as many as 6,000 youth who come from Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Additionally, invitations to attend final dress rehearsals of all plays at no charge are extended to students in area schools.