They’re young, scrappy and hungry … and they have Hamilton seats.

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Some 3,400 Dallas Independent School District students from 25 schools will attend a Hamilton performance later this year. It’s part of a Broadway-centric science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics curriculum that culminates with a seat at the Lin Manuel Miranda-penned Pulitzer-, Tony- and Emmy-winning production during its November through December Dallas run.

DSM president Ken Novice said at a press conference Monday that theater education programs can be “transformative” for all students, not just the ones aiming to pursue acting.

“Theatre work teaches collaboration, empathy, logic, and other life and career skills,” Wells says. “DSM takes great pride in its education programs and in the consortium of partners we have brought together to make this particular program happen.”

DISD superintendent Michael Hinojosa adds, “As educators know, and research has repeatedly confirmed, the performing arts have an amazing potential to reach students in ways that make a lasting impact on their lives.

“In-class technical theatre instruction followed by the opportunity to view an award-winning performance of this caliber promises to make this experience one our students will long remember,” Hinojosa adds.

Hinojosa thanked the several program underwriters including DSM and the T.D. Jakes Foundation.

The Potter’s House pastor and founder of his eponymous nonprofit says he’s always believed that the arts can serve as a conduit to STEM careers and that he expects the program to expose children from underrepresented communities to the performing arts while “also providing them with the tools and skills to succeed in an increasingly digital world.”

DSM and Dallas ISD have been partnering for some time now, Hinojosa explained, working to provide students access to “the spirit of Broadway” through an array of programs and initiatives.

The Moody Foundation, The Meadows Foundation and Frito lay also made significant contributions to underwrite the project, along with other local charities.