Josh Groban, the renowned singer-songwriter, has made it his mission to ensure that arts education remains a vital part of the curriculum in schools across the country. In 2005, he established the Find Your Light Foundation, originally called the Josh Groban Foundation, with the goal of providing students with access to transformative arts programs. As Groban prepares for the annual Find Your Light Benefit concert, he reflects on the profound impact the foundation has had on both the lives of young people and his own personal journey.

Unlocking the Power of Self-Expression

Groban's commitment to arts education stems from his own experiences as a shy, young student who found solace and confidence in the arts. He recalls how his seventh-grade choir teacher recognized his potential and encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone, ultimately paving the way for his successful career in music. This personal connection has fueled Groban's passion to ensure that every child has the opportunity to discover their own creative spark.The Find Your Light Foundation has been a testament to Groban's belief that the arts can profoundly transform the lives of young people. As he visits the programs supported by the foundation, Groban is consistently amazed by the tangible impact on the students' academic performance, social skills, and overall well-being. "When you see the pure inspiration and the light behind the eyes of these young kids and what they're doing and the sheer joy of self-expression when they find that instrument or that stage or that paintbrush, it is a daily reminder for me to always go towards that same joy and that same place inside myself, not only in art, but in my life in general," Groban shares.

Fostering Confidence and Resilience

Groban's work with the Find Your Light Foundation has taught him that the true power of arts education lies in its ability to nurture confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose in young people. He has witnessed firsthand how students who once struggled academically or socially have blossomed, finding their voice and their place within their communities. "When you first visit one of those programs… and then you see at that particular school [that] grades start going up and somebody with a learning disability all of a sudden starts getting better grades or somebody with a behavioral issue suddenly starts making tons of friends, it becomes the best kind of addiction," Groban reflects.The foundation's impact extends beyond the individual students, as Groban has seen the ripple effect on entire school communities. As more people recognize the transformative power of the arts, the stigma surrounding arts education as "just a drum circle or macaroni necklaces" is slowly being erased. Groban is proud to witness the growing support and understanding from donors, community leaders, and even fellow artists who are eager to contribute to the mission of the Find Your Light Foundation.

Enriching Lives Through Collaboration

Groban's work with the Find Your Light Foundation has not only changed the lives of the students it serves but has also profoundly impacted his own personal and professional journey. He describes the experience of collaborating with young people as a "daily reminder" to stay true to his own joy and passion, both in his art and in his life. "The greatest gift of working with students or teaching is just how much it enriches you," Groban shares. "You think you walk into an environment as somebody who's got the experience and got the knowledge, and you're here to impart that knowledge on other people. But the secret is that you actually wind up receiving just as much, if not more, from these kids."As Groban prepares for the annual Find Your Light Benefit concert, he is excited to bring together a diverse array of artists and supporters to celebrate the power of the arts and raise funds for the foundation's vital programs. The event, which is now sold out, will feature performances by renowned artists such as JoJo, Sara Bareilles, Misty Copeland, and Lin-Manuel Miranda, among others. Groban sees this as a unique opportunity to share the foundation's message and inspire others to join the movement to keep arts education alive and thriving in schools.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Groban's commitment to arts education is not just a passing interest; it is a deeply personal mission that has been years in the making. From the humble beginnings of a jumbo check gifted by his fans to the grand scale of the annual Find Your Light Benefit concert, the foundation has grown into a powerful force for change. Groban is proud of the progress made and is determined to continue building on the foundation's legacy, ensuring that generations of young people have access to the transformative power of the arts.As Groban reflects on his journey, he is reminded of the profound impact that a single teacher can have on a student's life. His own experience with the seventh-grade choir teacher who recognized his potential and encouraged him to step into the spotlight has become a guiding light for his work with the Find Your Light Foundation. Groban is committed to paying it forward, empowering the next generation of artists, leaders, and changemakers through the power of arts education.