Empowering Alabama's Future: Priorities for Progress
Join us as we strive to uplift Alabama’s communities through targeted initiatives in education, health, arts, agriculture, and youth athletics. Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow.
EDUCatION
Education as a Pathway to Success
Alabama ranks at the bottom on education standards, indicating an unmet need in preparing students for academic success. Our goal is to aid in higher academic achievement through:
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- Providing support for initiatives that help students increase test scores – less than half of Alabama public school students are proficient in math, reading, or science.
- Invest in college-readiness initiatives to help students feel equipped to meet their goals after graduation.
- Invest in resources that drive higher high school graduation rates – Alabama ranks 45th in high school diploma holders.
Bridging Healthcare Gaps in Alabama
A Holistic Approach to Community Health
A major factor that contributes to greater health outcomes in communities is expanded access to healthcare resources and facilities. We want to identify the areas where the largest healthcare gaps exist in primary care, preventive care, and urgent care.
We want to invest in a holistic healthcare approach that not only addresses patients’ physical health, but their mental health as well. We will partner with organizations that provide mental health support in the form of counseling, in-patient treatment, and substance abuse rehabilitation.
ARTS & CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT
The Transformative Power of Arts
Many studies have shown the correlation between arts and well-being, with well-documented research on the benefits of implementing arts within education and healthcare.
In hospitals, art can be leveraged in several ways, including as a tool to help new patients feel less anxious, as a means to circumvent language barriers when communicating important disease information, and as a coping mechanism for patients who are dealing with a sobering medical diagnosis.
In education, students who participate in art programs (including visual arts and music) at school show greater proficiency in math, writing, literature, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, a study in Missouri indicated that a higher percentage of enrollment in art classes led to decreased behavior incidents and lower suspension rates.
Our objectives are to assess the availability of arts programs in schools and healthcare institutions, and provide support for these institutions who currently lack art programs.
Agriculture and Community Growth
Harnessing Alabama's Natural Resources for Prosperity
Investing in agriculture provides several benefits to a community, from ensuring that farmers have a viable means of support, to utilizing land for food and plant growth, increasing community resources. Several counties in Alabama are prolific in land and natural resources, and our objective is to leverage these resources in ways that promote prosperity amongst Alabama residents.
Youth Athletics and Development
Empowering Future Generations Through Sports
We believe in the significance of youth sports for its many advantages, including positive mental health outcomes and experience in developing accountability, leadership skills, and collaboration skills.
We strive to aid in the development and sustainability of sports programs in public schools and in outer neighborhoods.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Be a catalyst for change in Alabama’s Black Belt by supporting the Carson Family Foundation’s initiatives. Your involvement can help enhance education, expand healthcare access, enrich arts programs, boost agriculture, and develop youth athletics. Together, we can build a brighter future for our communities. Take action today!