Programs
Since its’ inception, the Netherlands American Community Trust has been a strong supporter of programs in Math, Science & Technology Education, Music & the Arts, Less Advantaged and Diverse Communities, and the Environment.
Why We Support Math, Science & Technology Education
In Today’s society there are many computers but little interest in hard science. Some have called this the “digital brain drain”. While interest in computer science is growing, statistics show a decrease in college bound students majoring in traditional sciences and engineering. Industries need employees with basic skills in math, science and technology. The Trust seeks to motivate kids to enthusiastically learn math, science and technology through hand-on programs. The programs the Trust supports and brings to public schools unites students, teachers, administrators and the community in fostering enhanced science projects. Parents get excited about working with their kids, communities rally around the teams, and educators receive additional training and they are able to affect positive changes within their schools as their students look forward to science and math classes.
Why We Support Music and the Arts
The Trust believes that music, arts, and culture are a necessary part of education that help our children become successful adults. Compelling evidence indicates music and arts should be included in early education since it is a contributing factor in keeping children in school and preparing them for the challenges of life and work in our global society. The challenges of today and most certainly of tomorrow require discipline and the abilities, skills, habits, and knowledge that education in music and the arts provide. Artistic involvement removes boundaries and allows students to explore aspects of life around them in new ways while connecting the arts with other disciplines like math, reading and writing, or science often helps students learn about, comprehend, and value those disciplines as well.
Many studies have been conducted which indicate dance, music, theater, and visual arts contribute to student’s education in many ways.
The Four cornerstones of success are:
- Basic Abilities. In early grades, music and the arts help develop basic mental and physical capacities that allow students to learn and live better.
- Ways and Means. Participation in the arts helps children develop methods and habits of mind that help them succeed in many areas.
- Knowledge & Skills. The arts are important to understand – they surround us every day – and when connected with other subjects, they can make learning easier and more meaningful.
- Working & Connecting. Music and the arts teach students critical communication skills to help them connect with others in our interconnected world society.
Why We Support Less Advantages and Diverse Communities
The Trust supports programs designed to help less-advantaged people. The Trust makes a difference in the lives of those who are homeless, disabled, discriminated against, sick, poor, and unskilled.
The Trust’s involvement with less advantaged and diverse populations is creating an equal playing field for all people to have the opportunity to realize their full potential and contribute to society. Through these programs, individuals are provided with the necessities to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.
Why We Support the Environment
The Trust believes it is our responsibility to be a part of the collective effort to protect and preserve our natural resources and maintain the environmental quality of life. As our population and industry grows, every interaction will have an effect on nature.
People want to live in harmony with their surroundings and in peace with their neighbors, in a society which offers a clean and safe environment, security in the present, and confidence in the future. A green economy will encourage a sense of community, so that all will have a stake in society and none will be excluded, and ensure equitable use of environmental space.
