Scholarships
The Art Institute of Tucson is dedicated to the success of students pursuing creative careers. Talented individuals from across the United States and internationally are sought to complement the student population. To support this commitment, The Art Institute of Tucson offers the following scholarships.
The Art Institutes Need-Based Grant Program
The Art Institutes Need-Based Grant Program provides grants to students who show evidence of need and the motivation to complete the program. The amount of the grant varies according to the individual financial need of each student receiving the assistance, as determined by the Student Financial Services Office. The amounts are awarded for the current academic year, up to $300 per student per quarter. Please contact the Student Financial Services Office for details.
The Art Institutes Merit Award Program
The Art Institute of Tucson will offer Need-Based Merit awards in the current academic years to new and continuing students. The Need-Based Merit is available for students who have shown evidence of academic success, motivation, and financial need. New and continuing students can apply for the Need-Based Merit. Completed applications must be submitted to the Student Financial Services Department. The student must have a high school diploma or GED to receive the award. Awards are up to $300 per quarter per award year.
Need-Based Merit Criteria
Applicants must have completed a Federal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current year and demonstrate financial need. New students must have either at least a 2.5 high school CGPA or completed 12 credit hours of previous postsecondary education. They also must submit a copy of their transcript from that school with the application. Continuing Art Institute students must have at least a 2.5 CGPA to receive the award. In cases where the 2.5 CGPA requirement is not met, the President may request additional information and/or an interview with the student to determine suitability of the award based on the student's motivation and probability of academic success. The Art Institute of Tucson students must maintain a 2.5 CGPA. If a student's CGPA falls below 2.5, he/she will lose the current quarter's award and any future quarters that he/she had been awarded. If the student does raise his/her CGPA, then he/she must re-submit the application for the award year.
Americans for the Arts Poster Design Competition
Summary and Guidelines
This competition is open to all high school students nearing graduation who plan to study graphic design. Qualifying students interested in other programs may also enter.
Eligibility
Participants must be high school seniors and must fulfill all general admission and competition guidelines.
Deadlines
Please see an Admissions representative for deadline details.
Best Teen Chef Culinary Scholarship Competition
Summary and Guidelines
The Art Institutes Culinary Scholarship Competition puts students' cooking skills to the test. The three-part competition consists of the following stages: the preliminary competition, the local cook-off competition, and the national cook-off competition.
Eligibility
Participants must be high school seniors and must fulfill all general admission and competition guidelines.
Deadlines
Please see an Admissions representative for deadline details.
Entry Requirements for the Preliminary Competition
1. Submit a notebook that includes the following:
- menu with description for a two-course meal, including an appetizer, soup or salad, and a main course that includes sauce, garnish, vegetable, and starch;
- detailed recipes and directions for each course;
- and an image of each course, and one with all courses included.
2. Write and submit a paragraph on why you would like to be a culinary professional, who inspires you and why, and why you would like to attend The Art Institute of Tucson.
3. Submit a current high school transcript.
4. Submit completed entry form.
Summary of the Local Cook-off Competition
A minimum of ten semi-finalists from each participating Art Institute school will be chosen to compete in the local cook-offs. These competitions will take place at each Art Institute location; contact the Admissions Office for dates. With the assistance of an assigned student helper, semi-finalists will prepare a menu issued in advance by The Art Institutes. A panel of professional chefs and culinary faculty will judge each contestant's prepared food and select a winner at the local cook-off competition. The first-place winner from each participating Art Institute will advance to The Art Institutes Best Teen Chef Culinary Scholarship Competition. Please see an Admissions representative for future deadline details.
Summary of The Art Institutes National Culinary Cook-off
The first-place local winner from each participating school within The Art Institutes system, along with one parent or legal guardian, will be flown to the location for a reception at one of The Art Institutes. The Art Institutes Best Teen Chef national cook-off dates can be obtained from the Admissions Office. For the event, contestants will prepare a menu issued in advance by The Art Institutes. Please see an Admissions representative for future deadline details.
The first, second, and third place national winners each will be awarded a full-tuition scholarship worth at least $30,000. The fourth, fifth, and sixth place winners each will be awarded a half-tuition scholarship worth more than $15,000. The seventh, eighth, and ninth place winners each will be awarded a quarter-tuition scholarship worth more than $7,500. Each remaining national candidate not in the top nine will be awarded a $2,000 tuition scholarship.
Judging
A panel of professional chefs and Certified Master Chefs will serve as judges for the competition. All decisions by the judges are final and non-disputable.
Entries
Complete an entry form (obtained from the Admissions office), enclose with your entry materials, and mail to:
Scholarship Committee
The Art Institute of Tucson
1030 North Alvernon Way
Tucson, Arizona 85711
Passion for Fashion Competition
Summary and Guidelines
The Art Institutes Passion for Fashion Competition provides students interested in pursuing an education in fashion the opportunity to compete for local and national scholarships. Your creative ideas could put you on track to earn a scholarship, trip to New York Fashion Week, and much more.
Eligibility
Participants must be high school seniors and must fulfill all general admission and competition guidelines.
Deadline
Please see an Admissions representative for deadline details.
PROSTART/The Art Institute of Tucson Scholarship for High School Seniors
PROSTART students may apply for a $2,000 scholarship to be used to study Culinary Arts. There will be one scholarship awarded per Art Institute. Only PROSTART students are eligible for this scholarship. Contact the Arizona Restaurant Association for more information.
Scholastics Arts Competition
Four $10,000 tuition scholarships will be awarded by The Art Institutes to the National Scholarships Silver Portfolio Award recipients on a first-come, first-served basis. Information may be obtained from Scholastics, Inc. at 212.343.6100. National winners must contact Julie Walsh at The Art Institutes: 1.800.275.2440. Please see an Admissions representative for deadline details.
www.scholastic.com/artandwriting
C-Cap/Art Institutes Scholarship
C-Cap students may compete for one bachelor's and one associate's degree tuition scholarship, to The Art Institute of Tucson. For entry requirements and deadline information, call C-Cap at 212.974.7111. Only high school senior students enrolled in a C-Cap program are eligible for this scholarship selection.
National Art Honor Society/Art Institutes Scholarship for High School Seniors
High school senior class members of the National Art Honor Society are eligible to compete for these tuition scholarships:
$20,000 — first place winner
$10,000 second place winner
$5,000 — third place winner
$3,000 — fourth place winner
$2,000 — fifth place winner
Entry Requirements:
You must be a high school senior graduating in the current academic year, and a member of the National Art Honor Society. Submit six slides of six different original pieces of artwork representing your creative ability and interest. Digital files may be submitted in lieu of slides. Submit a written statement describing your artistic career goals and why you want to be considered for a scholarship. State your name, home address, telephone phone number, along with you school name, address, and telephone number, and the name of your National Art Honor Society advisor. Winners must apply for admission at an Art Institutes location and be accepted to validate the scholarship.
Upon receipt, all submissions become the sole property of The Art Institutes, and will not be returned. Details may be obtained from The Art Institute of Tucson. Please see an Admissions representative for future deadline details.
These scholarships cover tuition only. Scholarship awards may not be applied to fees, living expenses, or supply costs, and are applied evenly over the length of the student's program. All entries must be addressed to:
National Honor Society Scholarships
c/o The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
420 Boulevard of the Allies
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1328
VICA Skills USA Championship
Students who belong to VICA may compete in local, state, and national championships. Winners at the national level are awarded a variety of scholarships. Full-tuition two-year scholarships are awarded to the first place winners of the culinary arts, advertising design, and photography fields. A half-tuition two-year scholarship is awarded to first place winners of the 3-D/animation and video production fields. Five $1,000 scholarships are awarded to the high school seniors who placed second or third.
Decisions on the $1,000 awards will be based on cumulative GPA from high school. Information about the VICA Skills USA Championships may be obtained from your local VICA chapter. Each Art Institute location has a limited number of scholarships. Winners will be allowed to choose their Art Institute location on a first-come first-served basis.
New York City Public Schools Scholarship Competition
New York City public high school students may compete in the All-City Student Art Exhibit at Lever House. The winner will be awarded a full-tuition two-year scholarship, currently valued at approximately $25,000, divided evenly per quarter over length of program to The Art Institute of his/her choice. For information, call Art Institutes Representative Ann Chiapparone at 718.428.6908.
The Evelyn Keedy Memorial Scholarship
High school seniors may apply for this scholarship. One two-year academic tuition scholarship, currently valued at $30,000, is awarded annually to a worthy high school senior that has enrolled in one of the more than 35 eligible Art Institute locations. Applicants must submit an entry form; official high school transcript; two letters of recommendation from a guidance counselor or teacher and an employer or community service leader; and a written summary on their educational background, hobbies, work experience, and community involvement. Contact the admissions for deadlines. Judging is done by Art Institute staff based on GPA, extracurricular activities, and essay. Contact The Art Institute of Tucson for more information. Please see an Admission representative for future deadline details.
The Arizona Private School Association Scholarship
Scholarships valued at $1,000 each are awarded annually to select high school seniors. Contact the APSA Scholarship Foundation at 602.254.5199 for entry requirements, application, and deadline.
The James Beard Foundation/ The Art Institute of Tucson Scholarship
Two scholarships, one for each program, worth approximately $2,500 are awarded annually for the associate's degree and bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA and apply for admission at The Art Institute of Tucson. Contact The James Beard Foundation at 212.675.4984 or at their Web site address www.jamesbeard.org for entry requirements, application, and deadline.
Karen Swan Memorial Scholarship
The Art Institute of Tucson offers a half-tuition scholarship to honor the memory of Karen Swan, who worked for The Art Institute as a High School Representative. Students must be a current academic year graduate of a high school in Arizona, California, or Texas with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Contact The Art Institute of Tucson Admissions Office for more information. Please see an Admissions representative for future deadline details.
EDMC Education Foundation Scholarship
The EDMC Education Foundation was established in 2000 to offer scholarship support to students interested in continuing their education in the creative arts. The focus of the scholarships will be on students attending schools in The Art Institutes system. The recipients will be chosen by the school Scholarship Committee and then selections are forwarded to the EDMC Education Foundation Scholarship Committee. Recipients will be chosen from applications submitted by eligible students based on financial need and acceptable academic performance/potential. Students must submit an application form by the published deadline with all supporting materials, in order to be considered for a scholarship. Contact the Public Relations Department at The Art Institute of Tucson for more information.
The US Congressional District Arts Competition Scholarship
Winners of the Annual Congressional Arts Competitions are awarded tuition scholarships to attend The Art Institute of Tucson. Every Congressperson across the country has the opportunity to sponsor a Congressional Arts Contest in his/her district. The first place winners from each district across the country are flown to Washington, DC each summer, and their winning entries are displayed in the tunnel of the Capitol for one year, which is an honor since professional art is not allowed in the Capitol buildings. Entry is through high school-coordinated exhibits from the district that are then judged by instructors and professionals to determine the winners. Contact your high school art instructor for further details.
Other Scholarships
A variety of scholarships may be offered every year to students competing in local, district, regional, or state competitions sponsored through school districts, community organizations, or other related groups. For current information, please contact the Admissions Department at The Art Institute of Tucson.
Terms and Conditions for All Scholarships
Scholarship winners must complete: the 18-month program within 21 months, the 21-month program in 24 months, or the 36-month program within 39 months. Scholarship recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Scholarships will be suspended in quarters which the student's cumulative grade point average falls below 2.5, or the student becomes subject to disciplinary sanctions. To reinstate a scholarship, the student must submit a written request to reinstate the scholarship, to the Director of Student Financial Services and be in good standing academically and/or all disciplinary sanctions removed. Students must pay for any failed or withdrawn classes. Scholarships will be awarded only to individuals who have been admitted to The Art Institute of Tucson. In the event that education is terminated either by the student or The Art Institute of Tucson, the scholarship becomes null and void. The scholarships are not redeemable for cash and may not be used to finance optional programs sponsored by The Art Institute of Tucson. The scholarships cover tuition only and may not be applied against fees, failed classes, housing, living expenses, or program supplies and may not be transferred between affiliate schools of The Art Institutes. Should multiple scholarship wins occur by the same student, any and all scholarships funds from The Art Institute of Tucson will not exceed full tuition of the student's program.
Suggestions:
- Apply in advance! Be sure to submit entries by the deadline dates. Most scholarships for high school seniors have deadline dates between December and April. A few require entry fees.
- Follow all rules and regulations. Many good entries are disqualified for not meeting the requirements stated in the rules.
- Apply for multiple scholarships. This will increase the chances of your winning.
- Don't count on scholarships! Only a few are chosen out of the many that apply. Do apply for financial assistance if you feel you might benefit from it and be eligible for it. The government has many grants and loans available for students who meet the requirements. Our Student Financial Planning Department will assist you through this process.
- Many clubs and organizations sponsor scholarships that students may use at The Art Institute of Tucson. It would be beneficial to contact local service clubs, civic groups, and organizations to see if they sponsor scholarships and how to apply for them. Also contact your High School Counselor for additional information on scholarships for which you may be eligible to apply.