In any community you can find people--often a lot of people--who value the arts and support the idea of providing a place where young people can share in creating artistic products. Community-based arts programs support positive youth development in city neighborhoods and in smaller towns across America. Research has found connections between typical models of community-based arts programs and authentic learning, as described here using the author's observations as a teaching artist and program director. Highlighted is evidence that community-based arts programs are key to the futures of young people, particularly alienated youth who struggle to find a place in public school systems.