Appropriations Requests for : Jackson School of the Arts

1. Cosponsoring legislators:

No Cosponsors

Recipient Information

2. Intended legislatively directed spending item recipient:

Jackson School of the Arts

3. Physical address of legislatively directed spending item recipient and the intended location of the project or activity:

135 West Cortland Street, Jackson, Michigan 49201

4. The recipient's employer identification number:

38-3581314

Funding Details

5. Requested amount of the legislatively directed spending item:

$99,500.00

6. What is the purpose and how does the legislatively directed spending item provide a public benefit that is an appropriate use of taxpayer money?

Jackson School of the Arts is a nonprofit community arts organization providing year-round instruction in dance, theatre, gymnastics, and visual arts. The funding will be used exclusively for tuition assistance, ensuring that more than 300 families facing significant financial barriers can access consistent arts education for their children. The funding will fully cover tuition assistance for families experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness and for low-income and working-class households earning 50% or less of the area median income. For these families, tuition assistance is the determining factor in whether their children can participate in weekly programming. Without this support, many families would be excluded from educational and enrichment opportunities that contribute to child development, school readiness, and overall family stability. Public investment in tuition assistance delivers a direct and measurable benefit to Jackson County by supporting children during critical developmental years and reducing barriers for families under economic strain. Consistent participation in structured arts education supports social-emotional development, physical activity, and educational engagement, while providing families with reliable, constructive programming for their children. This investment also strengthens the sustainability of a long-standing community institution that serves families countywide. Tuition assistance stabilizes enrollment, supports consistent programming, and allows JSA to maintain safe class sizes and qualified instructors. Investing in Michigan’s youth by expanding and diversifying their educational opportunities is an investment in Michigan's future, and therefore is an appropriate use of taxpayers' money.

7. Has the legislatively directed spending item previously received or been awarded any of the following types of funding in the past 5 years?

✓ Yes: State Funding

Amount received: $60,800.00

8. Estimated time frame for completion of the legislatively directed spending item project:

10/01/2026 – 9/30/2027

Additional Information For Nonprofit Corporations

9. Is the recipient a nonprofit corporation?

Yes

4. Officers and active members on the board of directors:

Chair: Sarah Miller Vice Chair: John Macchia, Jr. Treasurer: Ben Butterfield Secretary: Phil Curtis Matt Aubin Stuart Kail

Certification By Sponsoring Legislator

• "I certify that my immediate family members, legislative staff members, and I have no direct or indirect pecuniary interest in the requested legislatively directed spending item."
• "I certify that the intended recipient of this legislatively directed spending item is not a for-profit entity."
• "I certify that the information in this form is true to the best of my knowledge."

Senator Sue Shink