Springboard is the St. Louis region’s largest provider of in-school arts and cultural integration and enrichment programs. We serve approximately 75,000 students and teachers in elementary and middle schools through 210,000 student contact hours each year. Over 175 distinct programs, taught by knowledgeable teaching artists and content specialists, are available to schools and community organizations throughout the metropolitan area, the eastern half of Missouri, and the Metro East area of Illinois. Springboard has a strong commitment to underserved children. Overall, 59 percent of schools served by our programs have economically disadvantaged student populations as defined by state guidelines.
Springboard is a 501(c)(3) organization with a volunteer board of directors, full-time office staff, and a roster of talented teaching artists. It is the St. Louis affiliate of Young Audiences Arts for Learning, a nationwide network committed to integrating the arts and culture into young people’s education. For more information, download our annual report.
Springboard teaching artists are professional musicians, dancers, artists, writers and storytellers, as well as experts in science, literature, and history and culture of foreign lands. Three types of programs actively promote creativity and critical thinking:
- Performances - high-energy introductions to the artistry and talent of professional performers
- Workshops - one session of a hands-on engagement in the classroom setting
- Residencies - multiple hands-on sessions that occur consecutively or weekly according to the school’s needs
Springboard also provides professional development opportunities that feature engaging activities designed for teachers to take back to the classroom.
