Our Research

Dr. Shirley Brice Heath studied over 124 afterschool programs for 10 years and found successful programs included*:

• Community-based – CMC is adapted to SPPN’s distinct needs and takes advantage of existing community resources, becoming a part of St. Paul’s collective impact initiatives.

• Provides risk-taking opportunities: Performances are a positive risk-taking opportunity. Doing them in a group se

• Time-intensive: CMC youth rehearse 5 hours a week, with an option for piano lessons and a youth leadership team. 

• Connection to social resources: By partnering with the Boys & Girls Club and St. Paul Public and charter schools, CMC is able to make connections to social resources, provide daily meals, and link students/families to needed resources.

• Use of mentors: CMC uses veteran students to teach newer students. Our performance-intensive choir mentors our training choir program regularly.

• Ensemble-focused: By keeping the focus on excellence and success of ensemble, teamwork, communication skills, relationship skills are required, rather than competition of individuals. 

​

*Information taken from Heath, Shirley Brice and Elisabeth Soep. Youth Development and the Arts in Nonschool Hours (PDF attached)