The Intersectionality of Arts-Integration and Social-Emotional Learning during COVID-19: Musical Bridges Around the World: The Musical Sprouts Program

Musical Bridges Around the World’s Musical Sprouts program is a free education and art performance program with the goal of introducing arts-integrated and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) curricula to under-resourced students. The current study is a 3-year longitudinal study evaluating the impact of the Musical Sprouts program on STEAM learning outcomes and social emotional learning (SEL). Utilizing a mixed methods and iterative research design, this study evaluated the impact of the program on the content knowledge, cultural awareness, and SEL among elementary-aged students. Research components and data collection were administered and collected virtually using a pre and post survey in a classroom setting, and comparisons were made between treatment and control schools. Results suggested a statistically significant improvement in content knowledge and SEL outcomes for students in the program. Implications demonstrate that introduction of arts and culture into classroom curricula have a positive impact on educational attainment and emotional competency. Further research will continue to explore the positive impact of arts integration and STEAM with continuous improvements based on an ever-changing climate in the community.