Big News!

White House Names America SCORES Among the Best Youth Development Programs in the Country!

America SCORES Denver has just been named a winner of the prestigious Coming Up Taller Award. Given by The President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, the award honors outstanding arts and humanities programs fostering the creative and intellectual development of America's youth. With only 15 winners out of more than 300 nominees, this distinction recognizes the America SCORES Denver program for its ability to inspire and change the lives of at-risk youth. All Coming Up Taller award-winners recently participated in a ceremony at the White House presided over by First Lady Laura Bush.

About Coming Up Taller

The Coming Up Taller Awards recognize and support 15 outstanding community arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America's young people, provide them learning opportunities and chances to contribute to their communities. These awards focus national attention on exemplary programs currently fostering the creative and intellectual development of America's children and youth through education and practical experience in the arts and the humanities. Accompanied by a cash award, the Coming Up Taller Awards not only reward these projects with recognition, but also contribute significant support to their continued work. More than 300 organizations are annually nominated for the Coming Up Taller Awards.

Coming Up Taller is an initiative with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities to showcase cultural excellence and enhance the availability of out-of-school arts and humanities programs to children.

About the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities

The President of the United States recognizes that the nation's cultural life contributes to the vibrancy of society and the strength of democracy. Through its programs and activities PCAH helps to underscore the civic, social, educational, and historical value of arts and humanities in the life of our nation.

First Lady Laura Bush is the Honorary Chairman of the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities and her leadership guides the PCAH in carrying out its programs and initiatives. The President's Committee was established by Executive Order in 1982 and plays a key role within each administration in identifying issues and developing initiatives in the arts and the humanities of critical importance to the nation. Specifically, the President's Committee exercises leadership in international cultural cooperation; addresses the needs of youth; recognizes our nation’s creative genius; and preserves our nation’s cultural and historic treasures. In 2001, President Bush appointed Adair Wakefield Margo as Chairman of the PCAH.

Quote from PCAH

“The arts and humanities develop bright young people who will lead our nation in the future,” said Adair Margo, Chairman, President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. “Coming Up Taller recognizes the best of after-school and summer programs that engage youth in music, theatre, dance, photography, history and all kinds of enriching activities that help them realize their full potential as human beings.”