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Effect of a Structured Arts Program on the Psychosocial Functioning of Youth from Low-Income Communities: Findings from a Canadian Longitudinal Study

Effect of a Structured Arts Program on the Psychosocial Functioning of Youth from Low-Income Communities: Findings from a Canadian Longitudinal Study

Robin Wright, Lindsay John, Stephen Ellenbogen, David Offord, Eric Duku, William Rowe

May 1, 2006

This study reports on the longitudinal evaluation of a structured arts program for Canadian youth 9-15 years old, from low income families. Evaluated were the extent to which community-based organizations successfully recruited and retained youth in the programs, whether youth demonsrated improvement with respect to artistic ability and psychosocial functions.