Rick Steves issues Challenge Grant to help save music education in Edmonds School District

Rick Steves has pledged $30,000 to help restore music education funding in the Edmonds School District, aiming to rally community support. The Foundation for Edmonds School District needs to raise a total of $120,000 by August 15, 2025, to maintain essential music programs for over 300 students. Steves noted that without this funding, middle school music education could be lost, affecting high school programs. He calculated that the investment would equate to $400 per student, a worthwhile expense for such fundamental education. The foundation has secured $60,000 in donations and seeks an additional $60,000 to meet its fundraising goal.

Steves highlighted music's role in fostering community and empathy, stressing that arts education should not be exclusive. Community donations are welcomed to unlock the challenge grant and preserve music programs for the upcoming school year. The urgency of this campaign reflects broader trends of arts funding cuts across the country.