Entering the entertainment industry is an exciting way to start a new career. Colleges and universities with programs intended for students interested in the entertainment industry can be expensive. When students are searching for ways to make college work for them, they often turn to outside scholarships.
These scholarships can provide an important lifeline to students who need extra money to realize their academic dreams. Nancy Etz lists 12 quality scholarships intended for students who plan to go into the entertainment industry that will help them to achieve their goals.
1. Nancy Etz Scholarship
This $1,000 award is intended for full-time students at the graduate or undergraduate level, as well as rising high school seniors who are accepted to an accredited college or university. The award recognizes students who have a high potential for academic success. The scholarship is given out on the merit of a 500-word essay on the topic "Discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart." The deadline to apply is February 1, 2021.
2. Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation Scholarships
These generous scholarships provide up to $3,500 in funding annually. Students who are majoring in a field related to film and television are eligible for application. In addition to field of study, students need to demonstrate their financial need, academic ability, and professional potential. The deadline for the 2021-22 academic year is April 15, 2021.
3. The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Fund for Student Support
Intended for students currently studying at the University of Southern California in the School of Cinematic Arts, this scholarship requires that students maintain a 3.0 GPA to apply. The scholarship can be awarded for multiple years if the student continues to qualify. Students should contact the university for the deadline.
4. Frank Capra Jr. Film Studies Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship is given to students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. The award is available if students have achieved at least 60 hours of film studies credits. Students will need to maintain a 3.2 GPA in general and a 3.5 GPA in film studies in order to apply.
5. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Scholarships
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is the group that awards the Emmys for television excellence. They offer a variety of $10,000 scholarships for students who are studying in fields related to television. This includes artistic fields as well as journalism. The organization offers both national and regional awards. The deadline for the 2020-21 academic year has not been established.
6. Princess Grace Foundation Awards for Film
This national foundation is interested in supporting student artists in dance, theater, and film. There are no self-nominations for these awards; students must be nominated by their dean or department chair. Artistic directors of performing companies can also nominate students. Applications for the upcoming academic year are beginning September 1, 2020.
7. Barbizon College Tuition Scholarship
Barbizon Modeling and Acting offers a generous scholarship of $10,000 to cover all four years of higher education. Students must be in their senior year in high school and accepted to a full-time, four-year accredited college or university. The deadline is December 1, 2020.
8. Chicago Drama League Retention Scholarship
This award is intended for students at Columbia College Chicago. The $1,500 scholarship is given to full-time undergraduates majoring in acting. They must have completed 12 or more credits, have a 3.0 GPA, and demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA. They will also need to submit a two- to three-page essay.
9. Donna Reed Foundation Scholarships
The Donna Reed Foundation offers a $1,000 scholarship to an Iowa high school senior. The student applicant needs to be studying drama and to have performed in official school productions. Students must also be accepted at an accredited college in the United States, have a 3.0 GPA, and provide a quality video sample of their work. The deadline is May 31, 2021.
10. Elaine Sirkin Forbes Scholarship
Graduating high school seniors from Allegheny County, Pennsylvania may apply for this award. The scholarship is worth between $500 and $2,000 per year. Students must plan to pursue two- or four-year degrees in visual, performance, or media art. The students' transcripts must show a 2.5 GPA, and they must write a one-page personal essay. They will also need two letters of reference. They must also demonstrate financial need. The deadline is March 31, 2021.
11. George Heller Memorial Scholarship
The Screen Actors Guild Foundation presents a $2,500 scholarship annually. Eligible members of SAG-AFTRA and their legal dependents can use this funding for tuition and fees in performing arts schools, including acting school. The scholarship application process begins on December 4, 2020.
12. Heroes and Legends Scholarship
This scholarship assists minority or at-risk youth who have extraordinary talent and drive. They may study performance art disciplines like acting. The award is available to students aged 17 to 26 who study or live in Southern California. They must also maintain a 2.0 GPA and serve as positive role models within their communities. An application deadline has not been determined.
Finding Success Through Scholarships
With reputable scholarships like these, students will be able to realize their dreams of higher education. It can be especially challenging for students in the visual and performing arts to find scholarships, and these selections should give them a great place to start.
