Looking for Art Scholarships for High School Students?

As a high school junior with a love for art, I'm eager to find scholarships that could help me pursue an arts degree in the future. I've done a few competitions and have a portfolio ready, but I'm not sure where to look for scholarships catering specifically to high school students like me. Are there certain organizations or websites known for offering art scholarships around this age? And how can one best prepare or stand out while applying?

There are definitely a plethora of art scholarships available for high school students, and your preparedness with a portfolio and your participation in competitions will undoubtedly be an asset when applying.

In terms of finding these scholarships, CollegeVine's blog contains useful articles with scholarship lists for high school students. Moreover, several arts organizations, colleges, and foundations offer scholarships:

1. National YoungArts Foundation: This program offers scholarships based on a competition in a variety of arts categories.

2. Scholastic Art and Writing Awards: This is a well-known national competition that provides numerous scholarships to winners.

3. Doodle 4 Google: This competition offers scholarships to students who design a doodle for Google's homepage in line with a specific theme.

4. Congressional Institute Art Competition: Each year, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent.

When it comes to standing out in your applications, here are some pointers:

1. Highlight Your Unique Perspective: Art is all about uniqueness and creativity. Emphasize what makes your art different or what unique perspective or technique you bring to your work.

2. Show Your Dedication: Provide examples of times when you've gone the extra mile for your art. This could be through attending advanced art classes, putting in extra hours into perfecting your techniques, or participating in art competitions.

3. Leverage Your Portfolio: As an art student, your portfolio is your resume. Ensure your portfolio is polished, organized and showcases a variety of your work. It's not just about showing your technical skills, but also your ability to innovate, experiment and evolve.

4. Narrate A Story: Use your essays or personal statement to tell a compelling story about your relationship with art. Draw connections between your artwork and your own personal experiences.

5. Obtain Strong Recommendations: If possible, get a recommendation letter from your art teacher or someone who can vouch for your talent, dedication, and potential in arts.

Remember, every scholarship has its own set of guidelines and requirements. So, it would be best to read through them carefully and tailor your application to fit those specifics. Good luck in your search!