ArtBistro

Three Easy Steps to Finding an Art & Design Scholarship...PLUS Five Great Scholarships to Get You Started

Step 1. Find Schools You Want to Attend

Most colleges and universities offer fantastic scholarships. So the BEST way to search for scholarships is to narrow the list to include only those schools you’d most like to attend, then research their awards and financial aid options. Many scholarships from corporations and nonprofits also require detailed information about your academic plans, so it pays to decide where to apply before you ramp up your scholarship search.

Begin researching programs of study on edu.ArtBistro now

Step 2. Search for Scholarships

Many organizations and businesses offer scholarships for Bachelor’s and advanced degrees. Look into the following organizations, both in your area and nationally.

• Professional associations
• Your employer (Employee Based Awards)
• Scholarship-focused nonprofits
• Large corporations (Pepsi, Xerox, etc.)
• Foundations (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, etc.)
• Unions
• Advocacy and political organizations
• Religious organizations
• Social/community clubs and organizations
• Service organizations (Rotary, Elks, etc.)

Scholarship criteria vary widely. Some scholarships are earmarked for students pursuing specific careers; others may be regional, designated for applicants from a particular state or county. Typically, organizations and schools may offer scholarships to students who meet a set of criteria, which could include:

• Demonstrated commitment to community service or volunteer work
• Commitment to pursue a valued career, academic, or research interest
• Learning or physical disabilities
• Demonstrated commitment to fine arts or performing arts
• Demonstrated athletic achievement and talent
• Economic need
• Underrepresented minority group
• Student is a gender minority in their field of interest (Ex: male nurses)
• Birthplace (for students from a particular city, state, or country)
• Student is the first to go to college in their family
• Contest / essay contest winner
• Going back to school; single parent
• High academic achievement
• High standardized test scores

A good strategy is to determine the types of scholarships you may be eligible for and search specifically for those.

Which area(s) might you qualify under?

Here are some hand-picked art scholarships that will get you started on your search:

1. National Sculpture Society Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

The National Sculpture Society Scholarship is awarded on a competitive basis to students showing talent in figurative or representational sculpture. You must be enrolled in a college or art school, but may be majoring in subjects other than art. Images (8-10) of work by the applicant on CD, a brief biography and two letters of recommendation are also required. This award is based completely on the quality of sculpture submitted. You must also demonstrate financial need. http://www.nationalsculpture.org

2. DUCK BRAND DUCT TAPE “STUCK AT PROM®” CONTEST 2008

Amount: $5,000

Duck brand duct tape annually sponsors the “stuck at prom” contest, which awards $5,000 to the couple with the best outfits made out of duct tape. In recent years the Duck Company has received over 4,000 entries each year. http://stuckatprom.com/contests/prom/

3. – Print and Graphics Scholarship – PGSF

Amount: Varies

Scholarships Available: 300

The Print and Graphics Scholarship is available to high school seniors and current college students who are interested in careers in graphic communications. To be eligible, you must attend college full time and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA while receiving funds. You will be judged on your academic records, rank in class, recommendations and biographical information. http://www.gain.net

4. National Geographic Channel

Amount: $5,000

Scholarships Available: 4

The National Geographic Channel’s Preserve Our Planet Film and PSA Contest is open to college students who are least 18 years of age or older. You must submit an original short film of no longer than 5 minutes or a PSA no longer than 30 seconds that centers around the theme of “What You Do Counts”. Your film or PSA must address how personal actions affect the environment and inspire people to take action to protect it. Winners will also receive an all-expenses paidtrip to Washington, D.C., to premier their submission at the world gathering of National Geographic explorers. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/preserve-our-planet/tvshows/film-contest

5. GeniusRocket Guerrilla Marketing and Graphic Design Scholarship

Amount: $1,000 – $2,000

The GeniusRocket Guerrilla Marketing and Graphic Design Scholarship is available to students with an interest in marketing or design. To enter the contest you must produce and submit an online banner ad and a poster/flyer to drive the GeniusRocket college outreach campaign. http://www.GeniusRocket.com

Click here to download a list of more art and design scholarship offers

Step 3. Apply for Lots of Scholarships

Finding scholarship programs can be a time-consuming process. Unfortunately, many students spend hours looking for a scholarship but fail to put an equal amount of effort into completing their application. The application is by far the most important part of your scholarship search; give it the time it deserves.

One last bit of advice: Double-check the scholarship requirements before you apply. After all, you want to be sure you are eligible. Write, call or e-mail the scholarship sponsor to ensure you have full details of application procedures and know what will be expected of the successful applicant. You can never have too much Information!

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