Forest Whitaker is helping a Des Moines elementary school through a federally funded engagement program.

The Academy Award-winning actor will visit Findley Elementary School on Monday as part of the school's participation in the Turnaround Arts program. He will deliver remarks following student performances.

Turnaround Arts is part of a federal initiative to turn around low-performing schools. The program is designed to narrow the achievement gap and use the arts to improve student engagement.

Findley is one of eight participating schools in the country. Whitaker was selected to help the school through his work with the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, which is sponsoring the program. He will work with the school over two years as it receives intensive education resources.

Whitaker returns to the school Tuesday.