HELP TO SAVE THE NEW YORK STATE SUMMER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS!

WHAT IS NYSSSA?
This program, with its eight component summer residential Schools is sponsored and supported by the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and is administered by the State Education Department. Recognized as one of the finest programs of its kind in the nation, over 25,000 high school age students have become part of this unique summer experience during the last 41 years of continous operation. Alumni surveys attest to the success of the schools in helping high school students with special talents identify and pursue career choices in all fields of the fine and performing arts at an early age. The Schools provide opportunities for all New York State students who qualify through auditions to receive the highest level of training and instruction.

The eight Summer Schools of the Arts are directed and staffed by internationally acclaimed artists and companies such as the New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra. Students work in small groups and in one-on-one sessions with professionals and with other students of similar ability. NYSSSA’s goal is clear: to provide intensive, preprofessional training programs for New York State’s most gifted and motivated young artists, those who are considering careers in the arts or entertainment industries. The schools provide intensive training in an environment where students experience the rigorous discipline of the daily life of a professional artist. The program is open to all high school age students who qualify through auditions. Tuition assistance, based upon financial need, is available. No students who qualify are denied NYSSSA’s opportunities because they cannot afford them. NYSSSA represents the wide spectrum of cultural, ethnic, social, and economic diversity that is New York State.

The eight component schools of NYSSSA are:
Ballet I Choral I Dance I Jazz I Media Arts I Orchestra I Theatre I Visual Arts

To find out more about NYSSSA - visit their website:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/nysssa/

WHY NYSSSA NEEDS YOUR HELP:

NYSSSA has taken all steps possible to reduce the costs of operations in light of the State’s financial difficulties. In addition to significant reductions in spending for the 2010 program, NYSSSA has raised tuition rates and reduced the number of slots available. In order to operate the program in 2011 an appropriation of approximately $800,000 must be included in the NYS Budget, specifically targeted for the operation of the Summer School of the Arts. (In the past the allocation has been part of the State Education Department.) Please support the inclusion of this modest appropriation, and all of the wonderful opportunities that it brings to the talented youth of New York State.

NYSAAE supports funding to ensure every student has access to Arts resources in New York State. Review the NYSAAE Unified Advocacy Committee Talking Points for the promotion of Arts Education in NYS.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

Contact your elected representatives
There are a number of options to let your elected representative know that you support continued funding for NYSSSA.

GOOD (Supporter)
e-Mail your representative in the NYS Senate and Assembly. It's as simple as 1-2-3.

1. CLICK HERE to access the pre-drafted letter.

2. Enter your name and mailing address.

3. Click 'Send My Message!'

Your letter will be automatically e-mailed to YOUR representative in Albany!

Here is a sample letter:

Dear <Legislator Name>:

I am writing to ask you to support continued funding for the New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA) – 2011 will mark the 42nd year for this program, created by New York’s Legislature and the Governor’s Office. A significantly reduced budget request of $800,000 is needed to operate the program this coming summer, which is slated to serve over 500 culturally, ethnically, socially, and economically diverse students from across New York State, many of whom otherwise would not be identified and supported in pursuing professional careers without this program.

NYSSSA’s goal is to provide intensive, pre-professional training programs for New York State’s most gifted and motivated young artists; those who are considering careers in the arts or entertainment industries. With its eight component summer residential Schools NYSSSA, is recognized as one of the finest programs of its kind in the National Conference of Governor’s Schools. Operating continuously since 1970, over 25,000 high school age students have become part of this unique summer experience which is directed and staffed by internationally acclaimed artists and companies such as the New York City Ballet and The Philadelphia Orchestra. The schools provide intensive training in an environment where students experience the rigorous discipline of the daily life of a professional artist.

The program is open to all high school age students who qualify through auditions. Tuition assistance, based upon financial need, is available and no students who qualify are denied NYSSSA’s opportunities because they cannot afford them. Approximately 80% of the students participating in the 2010 schools required significant financial aid.

NYSSSA has taken all steps possible to reduce the costs of operations in light of the State’s financial difficulties. In addition to significant reductions in spending for the 2010 program, NYSSSA has raised tuition rates and reduced the number of slots available. In order to operate the program in 2011 an appropriation of approximately $800,000 must be included in the NYS Budget, specifically targeted for the operation of the Summer School of the Arts. (In the past the allocation has been part of the State Education Department.) Please support the inclusion of this modest appropriation, and all of the wonderful opportunities that it brings to the talented youth of New York State.

The eight component schools of NYSSSA are:
Ballet I Choral I Dance I Jazz I Media Arts I Orchestra I Theatre I Visual Arts

To find out more about NYSSSA - visit their website:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/nysssa/

Sincerely,
<Your Name>

BETTER (Advocate)

Send the letter above to your representative, but be sure to add your own thoughts and comments - a form letter is good - your own words are even better.

FORWARD this website and message on to other Arts Advocates! Our best hope for success is to reach as many supporters as possible.
http://www.nysaae.org/Support_NYSSSA.htm

Give them a Call!
Don't underestimate the power of a simple phone call to your representative's office. The more people they hear from, the more they will realize how important this issue is! Find their phone numbers using the link below.

Visit their office!
Every Assemblymember and Senator has a district office - delivering the message in person has the greatest impact possible. Contact the district office in advance and arrange a meeting time.

Make a DONATION in support of NYSAAE's Advocacy Efforts! CLICK HERE