Sponsor Profile - The Northwestern Mutual Foundation

Sussex Artist Residency

The Northwestern Mutual Foundation has been a major sponsor of VSA Wisconsin since 1987. The foundation partners with best-in-class nonprofit organizations that share their commitment to securing the future of children and developing the local economy. When it comes to the future, Northwestern Mutual is committed to helping children develop life skills to prepare them to achieve their full potential and create their own legacies. For VSA Wisconsin, that means support for innovative arts programs that allow students with disabilities to explore their creativity and develop artistic skills through school residencies in a variety of mediums. Last fall, Northwestern Mutual Foundation selected VSA Wisconsin and six other Milwaukee area arts organizations to participate in a study conducted by Reinders Research. The evaluation process began with a simple question: How do arts education programs impact emotional intelligence levels of participating students? Data was collected through a survey conducted at the beginning and end of VSA Wisconsin artist residencies, conducted in partnership with Wauwatosa, Whitnall, Hamilton Sussex, Muskego and Templeton Schools. Post-test results presented in October 2011 indicated that nearly half of the sample (students with disabilities ages 11-20) experienced positive growth in overall emotional intelligence levels. The growth was directly attributed to VSA Wisconsin program exposure and makes a potent case for bringing these programs to students with disabilities throughout the state. You can view the report here.

Along with its nonprofit partners, Northwestern Mutual Foundation is building a foundation for America’s next generation by identifying and supporting programs that: 1) motivate and inspire kids to read, create and explore; and 2) insure that kids are well enough to learn and grow. To learn more about the Northwestern Mutual Foundation visit www.nmfoundation.com.