UCO's Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute Receives NEA Funding for America's 250th Anniversary Arts Initiative
July 30, 2026
Oklahoma A+ Schools Institute (OKA+) at the University of Central Oklahoma has been awarded funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to support educational programming and public performances featuring U.S. military bands as part of the nationwide celebration of America's 250th anniversary.
OKA+ and the Oklahoma Arts Institute are the only Oklahoma recipients and among just 33 organizations nationwide selected for NEA funding through a special initiative recognizing the historic and ongoing contributions of U.S. military bands to American culture. The funding will support performances by the 145th Army Band of the Oklahoma National Guard and the 395th Army Band as part of OKA+’s professional development training programs for educators this fall.
The project will feature ensemble performances by both military bands, a presentation exploring the history and significance of military bands in the United States and a guided collaborative watercolor workshop culminating in a public exhibition.
"This recognition from the National Endowment for the Arts highlights the power of arts education to connect history, creativity and community," said Sandy Kent, executive director of OKA+ at UCO.
"The arts have long been woven into our nation's military history—inspiring troops, honoring service, preserving stories and building morale. Through this project, educators will gain a deeper appreciation for that legacy while exploring new ways to bring history, creativity and civic engagement into their classrooms."
The funding is part of a broader national effort to engage communities in commemorating America's 250th anniversary through the arts while highlighting the historical and cultural contributions of military bands.
OKA+ at UCO partners with schools across the state to provide arts-integration curriculum and training that leverage creativity, critical thinking and student engagement across all educational content areas.
For more information on OKA+ Schools Institute at UCO, visit okaplus.org.
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