Since the scholarship program was started in 1993, over $75,000 has been raised and more than 500 area children have received financial aid to pursue their study of the arts. The scholarship program is funded mainly through fundraising activities, such as the Performathon, scheduled in 2010 for April 10, as well as other benefit recitals. Other contributors to the fund include many private donors, Target Stores, the Mary E. Stevens Fund, the DeKalb County Community Foundation, and AG Communication Systems. Consider making a contribution to the fund. Your donation is tax deductible.
The NIU Community School of the Arts’ need scholarship program provides financial assistance to students 18 years old and younger who are interested in arts instruction - either private or group - but who are unable to pay the full fee. Partial scholarships are allocated by the scholarship advisory board on the basis of need, demonstrated interest, and available funds.
Application forms are available online or in the display area outside 132 Music Building. The form must be completed and returned to the office by 4:30 p.m., August 31 in fall, and January 4 in spring. Announcements of awards will be made within one week of the application deadline. Those applying for financial assistance should send the registration fee only ($15) with their form; billing arrangements will be made later.
Those applying for need scholarships must provide requested financial information and a recommendation from a teacher (if possible, by a music teacher). Applications lacking either of these are not considered complete and will not be considered by the scholarship committee.
Each year, the program awards six scholarships worth $250 to talented musicians who demonstrate during an audition a high level of skill and musicianship. The scholarships are awarded to two students in each of the following grade categories: Elementary (grades 3 - 5), Junior (grades 6 - 8), and Senior (grades 9 - 12). All instruments are welcome. Applicants must be current students in the community school, either studying privately or enrolled in an ensemble. Applicants who take lessons on two instruments may audition on both, but are expected to submit two application forms and pay the application fee twice.
All applications must be received by December 14. The auditions are scheduled on January 9, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The award period is for spring and fall semesters 2010.
Honors Recital: A recital featuring the six talent scholarship winners is scheduled for February 6.
Note: Those awarded scholarships may not compete for two years (two full cycles) after receiving the award.