Pathways in Art: College & Trade School Scholarships Application

SVMoA Scholarship Application
Pathways in Art: College & Trade School Scholarships
The information provided on this form will be used by the Review and Selection Committee to select recipients for scholarships from Sun Valley Museum of Art. Please complete each question carefully and completely.
About the Scholarship

For students pursuing higher education in visual arts. This award provides financial support for those attending college, university, or accredited trade schools to study fine arts, graphic design, digital media, photography, industrial design, film, fashion, interior design, architecture, and other visual arts-related fields.

Who Can Apply?
- High school seniors and current college or trade school students pursuing a career in the visual arts.
- Applicants must demonstrate artistic dedication and financial need.
- Open to all visual arts disciplines, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, film, digital arts, industrial design, architecture, museum studies, art history, fashion design, film, and more.
UPDATED DEADLINE
Scholarship Application Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026

Please note: The application deadline has been extended from the original March 1, 2026 date.
Unsure If Your Program Qualifies?

If you are unsure whether your chosen visual arts-related program is eligible for this scholarship, please email us at education@svmoa.org for approval before applying. We are happy to answer any questions!

If you have additional questions or need guidance, we’re here to help.

We can’t wait to see your work!

Applicant Information
Student's Name*

First NameLast Name
What are your pronouns (e.g. he/him, she/her, they/them, etc.)? (Optional)
Email Address (Please use a personal email, not your school email address.)*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Mailing Address (Please note that this may be different from your residential address.)*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Are you a high school senior, college-bound, or current college student interested in applying for Pathways in Art: College & Trade School Scholarships?*

YesNo
Are you a first-generation college student? (A first-generation college student is typically defined as someone whose parents or guardians have not completed a four-year college degree. If at least one parent or guardian has earned a bachelor's degree, you are not considered first-generation.)*

YesNo
Does your household currently meet the income requirements for free or reduced-price lunch?*

YesNoPrefer not to respond.
Please list what college you plan to attend or those you have applied to.*
What is your intended or current major?*
What is your intended month and year of college or trade school graduation?

Parent/Guardian Information
#1 Parent/Guardian Name*

First NameLast Name
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email*
example@example.com
#2 Parent/Guardian Name

First NameLast Name
Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.
Email
example@example.com

Pathways in Art: College & Trade School Scholarships Application Questions

These questions are required for all applicants. To avoid losing work, please use a different platform to write your drafts and save your writing.
In your own words, describe the program you wish to attend / area of study you wish to pursue. Why are you interested in this program/area of study? Include your background/experience in this area of interest. (approximately 250 words)*
How would attending this program support your growth and plans for the future? What do you hope to learn? (approximately 250 words)*
Imagine walking through an art gallery where each piece tells a story—some personal, others reflecting culture and society. Art—whether in painting, architecture, fashion, street art, or film—connects to our experiences and beliefs. Think of a time when art helped you see yourself or the world differently. How did it shape your thoughts, feelings, or perspective on identity and culture? (approximately 250 words)*
In your experience, how do the arts make an impact? (200-300 words)*
Is there anything you wish the Review and Selection Committee to know in their consideration of your application? Use this space to share more about who you are and/or tell them about a person, artwork, performance, etc. that inspires you. (Optional)

Estimated Program Costs Request

The scholarship amount has not been determined, but we would like to request an estimate of the costs associated with travel, room and board (if applicable), and tuition for visual arts summer programs, workshops, or pre-college courses. If available, please provide attachments or documentation detailing these estimates, including information on tuition fees, housing options, meal plans, and typical travel expenses to the program location.
Link to the program of interest:*
Workshop/Summer Program/Pre-College Course Tuition – List tuition fees and any additional program costs (e.g., materials, books, registration).

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Room & Board Estimate – Covers housing costs (on-campus dorms, hotels, rentals) and meal plans, if applicable.

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Estimated Travel Costs – Includes airfare, train, or other transportation costs based on departure location and program destination.

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Estimated Total Scholarship Amount Requested*

Required Supporting Documents
High School Transcript
As part of your application, you must submit a copy of your high school transcript, which provides an overview of your academic performance.

Transcript Guidelines:
- Official Preffered: Please submit an official transcript. When submitting an official transcript, please request it from your school well in advance of the deadline. An unofficial transcript may be intially uploaded if an official transcript is received by SVMoA before scholarship award notifications are sent on Friday, April 10, 2026.
- Crrent Academic Record: The transcript should include your most recent grades, GPA, and coursework.
- File Format: Please upload a clear, legible copy in PDF format as part of your application.
Your transcript helps us understand your academic background and dedication to learning. If you have any concerns about obtaining your transcript, please reach out to your school counselor or administrator for assistance.
High School Transcript (Unofficial Transcript accepted on the condition that an Official Transcript be provided before Friday, April 10, 2026.)*

Please provide a transcript from your high school or college registrar office.
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Resumé

Please submit a current resumé that outlines your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any relevant experiences related to the arts. The resumé should provide an overview of your skills, interests, and accomplishments.

Key elements to include:

Academic Achievements: List any honors, awards, or recognition you've received in school, especially those related to your artistic interests.

Extracurricular Activities: Include clubs, sports, volunteer work, or leadership roles, particularly those involving the arts or creative projects.

Artistic Experience: Highlight any relevant art classes, workshops, exhibitions, or personal projects you’ve participated in.

Skills: Mention any specific art-related skills or software knowledge (e.g., drawing, painting, photography, graphic design, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.).

Work Experience: If applicable, include any jobs or internships that have helped develop your creativity, responsibility, or teamwork.
Resumé*

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Artwork Submission
As part of your application for Pathways in Art: College & Trade School Scholarships, we ask you to submit a portfolio showcasing your artwork.

We welcome all skills to submit---whether you are just beginning your artistic journey or have years of experience. You do not need formal training to apply! We want to see your creativity, curiosity, and unique perspective.

What to Include in Your Portfolio:
- 8–12 pieces of original artwork that best represent your artistic interests and skills.
- Your portfolio can include finished works, sketches, studies, or works-in-progress—we are looking for growth and passion, not perfection!
- Accepted media include drawing, painting, sculpture, digital art, photography, graphic design, animation, fashion design, film, architecture, and more.
- Each piece should be labeled with title, medium, and year created.
- If you are pursuing museum studies, art teaching, or art history, a small powerpoint describing projects, research, student artwork, or other relevant experiences may replace or supplement your original artworks portfolio. Please email us at education@svmoa.org for questions.
Submission Guidelines:
- You may submit your portfolio in one of the following formats:
  - A PDF document containing images of your work
  - A PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation (save as a PDF before submitting)
- Ensure images are high-quality and well-lit to best showcase your work.
- If submitting time-based media (e.g., animations, video art), provide a YouTube, Vimeo, or Google Drive link with appropriate access permissions.
New to Putting Together a Portfolio?
No worries! We encourage you to submit work that is meaningful to you, whether it's a polished piece or a rough sketch that captures your creative thinking. Your portfolio is about your artistic voice and journey, not just finished work.

If you have questions or need guidance, we’re happy to help! Reach out to us for portfolio tips or advice—we want every interested student to feel confident applying.

We can’t wait to see your work!
Upload your PDF Portfolio here:

Please upload a file no larger than 1GB.
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Letters of Recommendation Requirement
As part of your application for Pathways in Art: College & Trade School Scholarships, you are required to submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your dedication, creativity, and work ethic.

Who Can Write Your Letters?
Your letters should come from teachers, mentors, art instructors, museum administration, or other adults who are familiar with your journey. Recommenders do not need to be art teachers specifically, but they should be able to speak to your character, creativity, and commitment to learning.

How to Submit Your Letters:

Letters must be submitted directly by the recommender through the official recommendation link.

Recommenders can find the submission link after you submit your application and on the SVMoA website.

Letters must be received by Friday, March 20, 2026, to be considered with your application.

How to Request a Letter of Recommendation

It’s important to ask for recommendations early and provide your recommenders with all the necessary details. Below is a sample request you can modify:

Dear [Recommender’s Name],

I am applying for the Sun Valley Museum of Art’s Pathways in Art: College & Trade School Scholarships to support my participation in a visual arts-related program. As part of my application, I need to submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to my character, creativity, dedication, and passion for the arts.

[Describe the visual arts-related program you're hoping to attend.]

You can upload your letter through the official recommendation link provided here [insert link]. The link can also be found on the SVMoA website. The deadline for submission is Friday, March 20, 2026.

If you need any additional information about my work or the scholarship, I’d be happy to provide it. Thank you for your time and support. I truly appreciate it!

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

If you or your recommenders have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at education@svmoa.org.
Reference 1: Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Reference 1: Email Address*
example@example.com
Reference 2: Full Name*

First NameLast Name
Reference 2: Email Address*
example@example.com

We appreciate your effort in putting together a strong application and look forward to reviewing your work!
Click SUBMIT to send your completed application to SVMoA.
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SVMoA Scholarship Application

Pathways in Art: College & Trade School Scholarships

Applicant Information

Parent/Guardian Information

Pathways in Art: College & Trade School Scholarships Application Questions

Required Supporting Documents

Artwork Submission

Click SUBMIT to send your completed application to SVMoA.