AUSTIN ISD IS IN CRISIS
The Kids Who Need It Most Have the Least Access
Austin’s public schools are facing a perfect storm of budget cuts, funding inequity, and arts program elimination.
Austin ISD sends hundreds of millions to the state each year while running a $90M deficit, leading to 170+ program cuts affecting arts and enrichment first.
78 Title I schools serving 37,208 economically disadvantaged students (51.1% of enrollment). These are the schools where arts access matters most — and where it’s cut first.
Over 36,500 students in Austin ISD who qualify as economically disadvantaged. Many attend schools in the district’s “Eastern Crescent” — historically underserved areas with the fewest enrichment opportunities.
The state’s basic allotment per student has not increased since 2019 — a 24% loss in real value due to inflation. Schools are being asked to do more with less, every year.
ARTS EDUCATION WORKS
The Data Is Clear. The Need Is Now.
This isn’t feel-good programming. These are outcomes measured by universities, the NEA, and the Wallace Foundation in peer-reviewed research.
Arts participation produces measurable improvements in cognitive development and school readiness, particularly for young children.
Dance-specific programs (Lobo & Winsler) show a 35% improvement in social competency scores for participants.
Low-income students in arts programs are 46% more likely to pass the Texas Success Initiative and 42% more likely to attend a four-year university.
Arts-engaged students are twice as likely to meet AP and IB exam criteria compared to peers without arts involvement.
Low-income students with high arts engagement have a 4% dropout rate vs. 20% for peers without. That’s an 80% reduction.
Hispanic students in dance electives attend 3–6 more days of school annually. Schools with arts programs average 93.9% attendance vs. 84.9% without.
Arts-engaged low-income students are 42% more likely to attend four-year universities than their peers.
The Houston Arts Access Initiative (15,000+ students, randomized controlled trial) found students were 20.7% less likely to have disciplinary infractions.
The same Houston study found 7.2% increases in emotional empathy alongside the reductions in disciplinary issues.
An 8-week Danzversity program serving 20 students costs approximately $3,000 — $150 per student for measurable, lasting outcomes.
THE PROGRAM
What Danzversity Brings to Schools
This isn’t a dance recital class. It’s the Elemental Dance Method™ — the same curriculum that runs our studio, adapted for school environments.
Every session starts with Hip Hop history. Students learn where the music comes from, who built the culture, and why it matters. Hip Hop as education, not just entertainment.
Earth, Air, Water, Fire — the same four-phase progression used in our studio. Students build foundation, develop style, find their voice, and perform. Measurable progress every session.
Every program cycle ends with a performance. Students take the stage in front of their school community. That moment — being seen, being celebrated — is the whole point.
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
Partner With Danzversity
At $150 per student, a $3,000 investment serves 20 students for an entire 8-week program. Tell us about your organization and let’s figure out how to make it happen.
We Got It!
Thanks for reaching out. We’ll be in touch within 2 business days to talk through how we can make this happen together.
SOURCES
- Lobo, Y.B., & Winsler, A. (2006). The effects of a creative dance and movement program on the social competence of Head Start preschoolers. Social Development. Cited in Texas Cultural Trust 2025.
- Cultural Learning Alliance — findings on cognitive development and arts participation. Cited in Texas Cultural Trust 2025.
- Catterall, J.S. (2009). Doing well and doing good by doing art. National Endowment for the Arts. Cited in Texas Cultural Trust 2025.
- Austin ISD budget and enrollment data, KUT Radio / Austin ISD CFO reporting, December 2023.
- Wallace Foundation — Houston Arts Access Initiative. 15,000+ students, randomized controlled trial, Rice University partnership, 2023.