Coming Up Taller Awards recognize outstanding community arts and humanities programs that celebrate the creativity of America’s young people by providing them with learning opportunities and chances to contribute to their communities. These awards focus national attention on exemplary programs currently fostering the creative and intellectual development of America’s children and youth through education and practical experience in the arts and the humanities. Accompanied by a cash award, the Coming Up Taller Awards not only reward these projects with recognition but also contribute significant support to their continued work.

This Awards program is a project of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. It was started in 1998.

Each year, ten awards of $10,000 each are presented to Coming Up Taller Awards honorees. In addition, a Certificate of Excellence is given to all semifinalists. Museums and libraries are encouraged to apply. For more information, see www.cominguptaller.org