The Starkville Area Arts Council has opened applications for its annual summer scholarships program.
SAAC, according to a press release from Executive Director John Bateman, is offering the scholarship for children who are 11-18 years old.
The scholarships are geared toward helping with art-focused camps or summer programs.
“It’s not just visual arts,” Bateman said. “It’s performing arts. It’s music, writing, it’s literature.”
Last year, SAAC provided 18 summer scholarships, ranging from $85 to $450. This year, the organization has $9,000 available, which Bateman said is more than last year, thanks to a private donation.
Applications for the summer scholarships are available online at www.starkvillearts.org. According to the release, awards are paid directly to the agency/vendor, so applications need to identify a specific program. Applications must be submitted by April 1.
Bateman noted that the program’s students participate in can be located anywhere. However, he said the scholarships are only available for Oktibbeha County residents.
“This is one of my favorite programs that SAAC offers,” Bateman said in the release. “I’ve worked with a large number of scholarship-making organizations. Most focus on collegiate scholarships. However, if we create access to art education at an earlier age, then we create greater long-term impact on the development of young minds and creative thinkers. This rare type of award allows our community to build a tremendous future resource.”
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