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demographic is reported as 78% Latino, the children who participate in SAS are 98% Latino, 82% English <br />Language Learners and 87% are free and reduced -price meal program participants. <br />Of the US population under the age of twenty-five, 21% are Latino, who are disproportionately <br />represented in measurements of disconnected youth, teen pregnancy and school drop -outs (Pew <br />Hispanic Center 2012). School drop -out rates for Latinos are double the percentage of African - <br />Americans and triple the rate of Caucasians. Almost 50% of Latino teens get pregnant before the age of <br />20, double the national rate. Despite being only 17% of the total US population, Latinos make up more <br />than 50% of gang members (US Department of Education). Given these facts, it is not surprising that <br />Latinos have the highest percentage of families living in poverty, making up 28% of all US families living <br />below the poverty line (US Census Bureau 2010). <br />SAS provides essential arts learning through multiple -year engagement, and supplies opportunities for <br />children to reap the many academic and developmental benefits of music while being encouraged and <br />stimulated. <br />c) Details of the unmet need <br />The lack of quality music education is most prevalent in low-income neighborhoods with under -served <br />residents. Music provides comfort and motivation in times of stress and is proven to increase academic <br />achievement in students. The 2012 Worcester Polytechnic Institute Report shows a steady increase in <br />overall SAT scores in students who study music, with a significantjump for students who study for four <br />years or more. Moreover, the University of Florida's College of the Arts asserts that music students score <br />98 points higher on SAT tests. Under normal circumstances, SAS offers up to five continuous years of <br />music learning and engagement opportunities for children in grades 2-6. <br />Statistics also show that low -Income children and youth are more prone to become depressed or <br />anxious. Among adolescents, the most common diagnosis leading to hospitalization is major depression, <br />according to the 2017 OC Community Indicator Report. Moreover, the psychological benefits of music <br />on children and teens are well documented in the 2018 Geipel et. al. systematic review of music -based <br />therapy for students which reports that music and its positive effects reduce the severity of internalizing <br />symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. <br />Even more remarkable is recent research from a 2017 study at the Brain and Creativity Institute of USC <br />which demonstrates that exposure to music and music instruction accelerates the brain development of <br />young children in the areas responsible for language development, sound, reading skill and speech <br />perception. This new brain imaging data shows that music training accelerates brain development in <br />children, specifically rapid development of the auditory pathway in students. <br />d) Details of collaborations with local organizations <br />Pacific Symphony is the lead partner of the program, overseeing all artistic aspects, managing the <br />participation of musicians, and coordinating volunteer string players, program staff and the class <br />schedule for students. Under normal conditions, BGCSA provides the use of classrooms, performance <br />space and facilities, helps market and promote the program to its members, and offers staff support. <br />During the pandemic, the SAS program is conducted online, but BGCSA continues to offer support and <br />