We provide assistance to districts and schools in delivering systematic, sustainable, high quality, standards-based Arts & STEAM education for all students.
Arts Integration and STEAM are approaches to education that integrate arts with other subject areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, English language arts, English language development, social studies, and/or physical education. Arts specific support is also provided in dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts.
Is your school transforming lives through the power of the arts? The California Department of Education wants to recognize you!
The Exemplary Arts Education Award (EAEA) honors California schools that go above and beyond to ensure every student has equitable, meaningful access to standards-aligned arts education. Schools that are selected as a recipient are celebrated statewide and serve as model programs for two academic years, showcasing innovative practices that make arts education thrive.
To be in alignment with the California Distinguished Schools Program, the EAEA will now recognize elementary and secondary schools in alternate years. Therefore, the 2026–27 awards cycle will honor elementary schools. Elementary schools, including direct-funded charter schools, juvenile court and community schools, and alternative schools of choice, serving students in kindergarten through grade eight may apply. Please note this is a school-based award. Local educational agencies and districts may not apply.
- Gain statewide recognition for your school’s arts program
- Inspire other educators and districts
- Shine a light on the impact of the arts in student learning and community engagement
Important Dates:
- Applications open July 1, 2026
- Deadline: December 11, 2026
- Winners announced: March 2027
Visit the EAEA web page for full eligibility details and application materials. For questions, email exemplaryartsawards@cde.ca.gov.
Upcoming Arts Opportunities for Students
The 22nd Annual Constitution Day Student Arts Competition invites students in grades 3rd-12th to showcase their artistic talents and share their interpretations of the Constitution Day Conference theme: "America at 250: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future". This is a visual arts competition.
- THEME: "America at 250: Honoring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future"
- ENTRY SUBMISSION WINDOW: May 26, 2026 - August 31, 2026
- ELIGIBILITY: 3rd - 12th Grade Students Attending Schools in Southern California
Selected prize winners will receive awards and an opportunity to showcase their artwork at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and a FREE entrance to the library during the 22nd Annual Constitution Day event on September 19, 2026. This event is co-sponsored by Teach Democracy, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Constitutional Rights Foundation, Center for Civic Education, Los Angeles County Office of Education, Ventura County Office of Education, and the California Civic Learning Initiative.
Join educators, artists, and youth advocates for a day of dynamic conversations, youth performances, and networking focused on arts education for teens and young adults. On Saturday, October 3, the Getty is hosting a free program for those working in arts education for teens and young adults. If a day of inspiring and informational conversations about the future of arts education sounds up your alley, please sign up to be notified when registration opens. Please save the date; spots are expected to fill up very quickly.
Registration opens on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 for both in-person attendance and online via Zoom.
Learn more and sign up for registration notification.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jeannine Flores
Coordinator III - Arts & STEAM
(562) 401-5499
flores_jeannine@lacoe.edu
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