History of the
Wolf Trap Program
The Michigan Wolf Trap Program is a partnership between Michigan AEYC and the Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts.
The Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning through the Arts began in 1981 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit education program, under a grant from the Head Start Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The program employs professional artists with extensive experience and expertise in working with young children to provide the following services to participating early childhood education programs:
 
  • Seven and one week residency programs
  • Teacher training workshops
  • Parent involvement activities
  

The Wolf Trap Model was developed in the Washington, D.C. area from 1981-1984, and was later refined in satellite programs in Arizona, California, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee. Each program is self-supporting and is funded through support from foundations, corporations, contracts with Head Start Programs, school systems, community action programs and state arts councils.

In June 1987, the Wolf Trap Institute received funding from Mervyn's Department Stores to replicate the program in Michigan, in collaboration with the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children. MiAEYC formed a joint committee to identify and train qualified Detroit, Lansing, and Ann Arbor artists. The partnership with Mervyn's continues today, and has expanded to include the Kalamazoo area.

In 1990, The MiAEYC Wolf Trap Program received a grant from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs to train three artists in Flint. Funding from MCACA continues today, and has allowed MiAEYC to bring the Wolf Trap program to many underserved areas around the state.

In addition to residencies and workshops funded through grants from foundations, educational institutions, school districts, teacher training agencies, and corporations, numerous residencies and workshops have been privately funded. Monies generated through grants have been restricted by their donors for use in specific geographical areas. Private funding has taken the program to many cities, including Adrian, Escanaba, Muskegon, Traverse City, and St. Clair. Michigan Wolf Trap continues to seek funding to underwrite residencies and workshops throughout the state.

Updated 4/24/07