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The Rand Corporation's "Improving Arts Education Partnerships" report recommends that schools strengthen and enhance their educational programs by utilizing the expertise and resources of local community arts organizations, for instance by providing student field trips to museums, access to performances, student workshops, and professional development for teachers.

However, school budget cuts mean that fewer children can take advantage of these opportunities, as tight budgets over the past several years have led to the reduction or elimination of arts programs in many school districts.

Field trips to community arts and cultural organizations have been especially hard hit. As a result, parents are now being asked to finance programs traditionally paid for by school districts. The National Parent Teacher Association's parent survey found that 79 percent were being asked to finance items such as field trips normally paid for by schools.

Through Culture for Kids, the Patron Foundation is helping to preserve children's access to these vital educational resources, and to enhance their learning experience by helping museums, zoos and aquariums and performing arts organizations strengthen educational programs.