Applications Open for 2025 Empire State Arts Scholarship Program

The New York State Education Department today announced that applications are now open for the 2025 Empire State Arts Scholarship Program, providing need-based financial assistance for middle and high school students across New York State to participate in after-school and summer arts programs. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully allocated.

In a significant expansion, the 2025 program will shift from a summer-only scholarship to a year-round model, offering consistent funding opportunities throughout both the academic year and summer months. This transition reflects New York State's ongoing commitment to equity, accessibility, and the development of young artistic talent, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from exploring their creative potential.

With this enhanced structure, more students from diverse backgrounds will have sustained access to transformative arts education experiences, fostering creativity, personal growth, and academic enrichment.

Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, "Arts education plays a critical role in amplifying voices, fueling imagination, and shaping dreams. By transitioning to a year-long framework, we are opening the door to more students and families, ensuring sustained access to arts programs that reflect our vibrant and diverse communities. For many, these scholarships will bridge financial gaps, making participation possible where it otherwise would not be."

State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, "A student's socioeconomic status should not inhibit their creative potential nor the impact their art could have on both their life and the lives of others. The Empire State Arts Scholarship Program has been crucial to removing barriers and allowing young artists to pursue their dreams without the worry of access or affordability. The expansion of this year's program to a year-round model will undoubtedly benefit students by providing a more consistent funding stream that will allow them to focus on their creative discipline, rather than financial logistics."

Executive Director Molly Hennighausen states, "Expanding this impactful program to a year-round model demonstrates our commitment to fostering creativity, expression, and opportunity for students from every corner of New York State. These scholarships are a vital tool for nurturing the artistic talents, personal growth, and educational aspirations of our youth."

Administered by the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) Office of Cultural Education, the Empire State Arts Scholarship Program is designed to provide need-based grants covering 10-90% of the program cost. Families earning under $91,000 Adjusted Gross Income per year are encouraged to apply. This initiative ensures accessibility, equity, and representation for students, empowering them to pursue enrichment opportunities in music, theatre, dance, creative writing, fine arts, design, and more. Those interested in the Empire State Arts Scholarship Program can apply here.

Beginning in 2025, students may now apply for one scholarship per school semester and one per summer. Individual cycles align with the academic calendar, offering support throughout the school year and during the summer. This shift aims to enhance flexibility and ensure consistent funding availability for families in need.

Eligibility

To apply, students must meet the following criteria:

• Currently in grades 5-12
• Family household Adjusted Gross Income under $91,000/year
• Be a New York State resident
• Plan to attend a New York State-based arts program

It is strongly recommended that students confirm acceptance into their chosen program prior to applying for a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, with priority given to students demonstrating the greatest need if applications exceed available funding. To apply for a scholarship, students must fill out the online application and submit their family's most recent New York State Income Tax Form.

The Empire State Arts Scholarship, in partnership with programs such as the New York State Summer School of the Arts (NYSSSA), has been instrumental in enhancing the creative abilities of New York's most talented young artists. Whether pursuing ballet, orchestral studies, media arts, or visual design, students gain immersive, professional-level training to help them reach their full potential.

For more information on the Empire State Arts Scholarship Program, including detailed application instructions and Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Office of Cultural Education website.

About the Cultural Education Center   

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in the United States. Home to leading scientists, historians, archeologists, and anthropologists, its collections represent the State's rich cultural and natural heritage from the past and present, including a staggering 20+ million artifacts spanning 480 million years ago to today. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission is free. For additional information, visit the New York State Museum website.    

The New York State Library is part of the Office of Cultural Education within the New York State Education Department. Visit the New York State Library website for a complete list of upcoming programs. To receive news, resources, and other updates, please subscribe to the quarterly newsletter.    

The New York State Archives holds many of the oldest and most important archival treasures in the nation. The Archives preserves and makes accessible over 250 million records of New York's State and colonial governments dating from 1630 to the present. The State Archives provides free access to photographs, artifacts, documents, manuscripts, and other materials that tell the story of New York's history via its Digital Collections on the Archives website.    

The Archives Partnership Trust was founded in 1992 to build an endowment and provide project support to enhance humanities programs, increase access to these outstanding treasures, and continue the preservation of New York's historical records. Since its founding, the Partnership Trust, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has supported exceptional projects and programs. These include the Research Residency Program, the Student Research Awards Program, history conferences, special exhibitions, public education programs, book signings and lectures, publications, teacher training institutes, preservation projects, and more.   

The State Museum, State Library, and State Archives are programs of the New York State Education Department's Office of Cultural Education. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or by visiting the Office of Cultural Education website.

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