Stillwater Music Awarded $25,000 Grant to Expand Arts Education in Southwest Colorado Schools

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: Stillwater Music has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Equity in Arts Learning for Colorado Youth (EAL) program for the 2025–26 school year! This statewide initiative, administered by Think360Arts for Learning and supported by a powerful collaboration of funders—including the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries, Denver Arts & Venues, and the Gates Family Foundation—is committed to expanding access to high-quality arts education for youth across Colorado.

At Stillwater Music, we believe that every child deserves the chance to experience the transformative power of music. With this grant, we will deepen our partnerships with schools across La Plata, Archuleta, and Montezuma counties, including welcoming new school partners into our programming for the first time.

Our school-based programs range from general music education to group instruction in voice, concert band, and jazz, as well as youth rock bands that bring students together in creativity, collaboration, and community. These experiences not only build musical skills, but also support student confidence, self-expression, and social connection—especially critical for youth in rural and underserved areas!

“This grant is a big win for students in Southwest Colorado,” said Jana Leslie, Executive Director of Stillwater Music. “We’re honored to be part of a statewide movement recognizing the role of arts in education—and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated educators, artists, and schools to bring music into more kids’ lives.”

This year’s EAL grant cycle awarded nearly $500,000 to 27 organizations working in 11 Colorado counties. Funded projects across the state include a rich diversity of artistic disciplines—from visual arts to storytelling, dance, digital media, and of course, music.

We’re proud to stand among them, and we’re energized by what this means for the future of arts learning in our region. Stay tuned for updates as we finalize our 2025–26 school partnerships and get ready to turn up the volume on music education in Southwest Colorado!