Since 2008, eighty-eight new arts programs have been added in 47 schools in the Osceola School District. For the past four years, new funding from corporate and public funds given to Osceola School District through United Arts of Central Florida (Website) has created many arts opportunities including:
- All 5th graders in Osceola County may attend the Young People’s Concert with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra
- Jazz instruction for middle and high school bands
- In-school Shakespeare presentations
- stART program: a summer arts intensive created by Osceola School District with Juilliard-trained teaching artists to stimulate students to think BIG through the arts
Also, because Walt Disney World is the largest for-profit employer of arts workers in the world, Osceola School District changed the new Osceola High school from STEM to STEAM. The A is for the arts. The change will provide prep for high demand back-of- house arts and entertainment jobs. This transition was inspired by the Career Pathways to Creative Sector Jobs program already in progress at Evans High School in Orange County.
During the retiring superintendent Melba Luciano's tenure, the arts budget had never been cut.
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