Twenty-one San Diego Unified teachers will receive awards to underwrite visual and performing arts (VAPA) related activities and purchases funded by the VAPA Foundation’s 2019-2020 VAPA Enhancement Program. The VAPA Enhancement Program (VEP) enables any San Diego Unified teacher to apply for funds to enhance the quality of, and access to arts education in the classroom or school. The VAPA Foundation funds arts enhancements not covered by a school’s budget.

The VAPA Enhancement Program (VEP) fund field trips, artist residencies, and arts equipment from ukuleles to a laser cutter for media sculpture from elementary, middle and high schools throughout the district (see list below). Each successful applicant linked the request to ongoing curriculum goals. President of the VAPA Foundation Board of Directors Larry Baza, states that over 2,100 district students “will directly benefit from the VEP projects with additional impact expected to school communities through culminating student performances, art exhibitions and participation in state and national festivals. Plus, the reach extends onward to future years with the purchase of new equipment.”

This year, the VAPA Foundation increased funding for VEP awards by more than 50 percent to a total of more than $34,000. This increase in funding was made possible, in part, by a partnership with UC San Diego and by donors from the community who recognize the impact a meaningful arts education has on students’ attendance, graduation rates, college readiness, civic pride and cultural awareness.