Since the scholarship program was started in 1993, nearly $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 in part through fundraising activities, such as the Performathon and 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 registration 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 29, 2008, (fall semester), and January 5, 2009, (spring semester). 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.
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.
All applications must be received by December 15, 2008. The auditions are scheduled on Saturday, January 10, 2009, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The award period is for spring and fall semesters 2009.
Honors Recital: A recital featuring the six talent scholarship winners is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2009.
Note: Those awarded scholarships may not compete for two years after receiving the award.
Help support the scholarship programs by participating in a fundraising recital at the DeKalb Barnes & Noble store on Sycamore Road on Saturday, November 15, 2008. Performers must fill out a sign up form by October 24.