By Sam Morrison

The UK Chapter of the Kentucky Education Association Student Program will hold its third annual “Arts for Smarts” Day at William Wells Brown Elementary School this Friday at 3 p.m.

“Arts for Smarts is an outreach event where we work with elementary school students to emphasize the fun of learning core content subjects through art,” KEA SP President Elizabeth McMahon said. “Students get the opportunity to complete several art projects while learning how they relate to specific subjects.”

Rain or shine, the event will be held inside the school, located at 555 E. Fifth Street, which is about five minutes from campus, and will feature hands-on activities between students and volunteers.

The event is sponsored by the National Education Association Community Learning Through America’s Schools Grant, which funds several service projects that target improving public education through community outreach. The event is also funded by the UK Student Government Association.

Last year, 80 student volunteers attended the function that was held at Cardinal Valley.

“The main goal is to bring attention to the importance of fine arts,” Eli Edwards, College of Education senator, said. “The difference made in the children’s lives was a joy to see for all involved.”

Along with members of the UK student body, KEA SP is collaborating with KEA Retired and the Fayette County Education Association to host the project for students of William Wells Brown Elementary School.

“Volunteers will work at a series of stations” Edwards said, “with the students on activities that specifically address math, science, language arts, social studies and physical education with content through art, music and dance.”

All volunteers will be welcomed, but to do so they must contact Eli Edwards at [email protected].