Project Grant

The proposed project will provide opportunities for older adults in Central Minnesota to explore and enhance their own creativity, interact and develop friendships with their peers, build artistic skills, and encourage lifelong learning and personal growth. The main measurable outcomes: a) An estimated 45 older adults will participate in this project in the first year. b) 75% of participants will report a decrease in their stress level upon completion of each course. c) 75% of participants will report that they developed bonds and/or friendships with other participants. d) 75% of participants will report feeling more competent and knowledgeable of special techniques associated with the art form. e) 75% of participants will report gaining knowledge of art history related to the chosen art form. f) 75% of participants will report that the pieces they created in each art class represent their own cultural background and life history. g) 75% of participants will report that the course was affordable. h) 75% of participants will report feeling a greater sense of self-efficacy upon completion of the course. i) 75% of participants will report wanting to take additional courses in the chosen art form in the future.Each course will be measured through survey administration at baseline and then again immediately following the last class session. The initial survey will address demographic information, open ended questions regarding their previous experience, if any, with the course topic, and what they would like to learn by taking the course. The post-course survey will include likert scaled questions regarding satisfaction with the instructor and course content along with the following measurable outcomes: a) Number of enrolled participants in each course will be collected through registration information. b) To what extent do you feel this course has diminished your current stress level?'' c) Have you formed a friendship with another participant in this course? d) To what extent do you feel more competent and knowledgeable of techniques and skills associated with the art form? e) Have you gained additional knowledge of art history by taking this course? f) Did you create a piece of art within this class that represents your cultural background and life history? g) Did you feel that this course was affordable? h) To what extent do you feel more capable of taking on a challenge or stepping out of your comfort zone as a result of taking this course? i) Will you consider taking additional classes in this art form in the future? The theatrical dance course may also have some additional questions relating to fitness outcomes such as, To what extent do you feel more physically fit after completing this course? A post-course survey is uploaded for review.