ACDA Institutional Membership Support Program Application

Introduction
The ACDA Institutional Membership Support Program is designed to reduce financial barriers for underserved and under-resourced colleges and universities that have historically faced challenges accessing ACDA membership and conference participation. Many institutions, particularly those serving marginalized communities, continue to experience systemic economic hardship that limits their ability to stay connected to the field.

With generous support from the Judy Allen Fund, ACDA is able to offer two-year membership scholarships that keep institutional members, and potential members, engaged with the Association during times of financial strain. These scholarships are intended to expand access, promote equity, and ensure that institutions serving underserved communities are not excluded from the opportunities, resources, and visibility that ACDA provides.

Scholarships are open to any current or prospective Institutional Member at a college or university with demonstrated financial need. Additional consideration will be given to institutions that primarily serve historically underserved, marginalized, or economically disadvantaged populations.

Before applying, please review the full terms and eligibility requirements below.

Terms and Eligibility Requirements

Only current ACDA Institutional members whose membership expires in June 2026, or institutions applying as new or lapsed members, are eligible.
Each scholarship covers two years of ACDA institutional membership (FY27 & FY28), valued at approximately $550.
Applicants who purchase a membership while the application is in process will no longer be eligible. If you apply for this scholarship, do not purchase a membership until you receive an official decision from ACDA.
Scholarships are available to any institution that commits to attending an ACDA conference in 2027 and 2028. Institutions must confirm plans to participate.
Institutions must have a minimum of 4 students and 1 Faculty Representative for a 2027 and 2028 ACDA conference.
- Estimate approximately
- $1,000-$1,200 to attend the conference (not including travel, lodging, and food)5 people x $165 (registration fees) = $825
- 5 people x $10 (processing fees) = $50
- 2 x $150 Adjudication dances = $300
- Total: $1,175
An institution may receive an ACDA Membership Scholarship only once.
Scholarships will be awarded until funding is expended.

Application timeline:
Applications Open: Monday February 2, 2026
Deadline to Apply: March 30, 2026
Review Period: February 24- April, 2026
Decisions Announced: Mid-April 2026

Institution Name*

Location (City, State)*

ACDA Region*

Primary Contact Name*

Primary Contact Title*

Primary Contact Email*

example@example.com

Primary Contact Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Institution Website*

Department/Program Website (if applicable)

Our institution has never attended an ACDA conferenceOur institution has attended 1–5 ACDA conferencesOur institution has attended 5+ ACDA conferencesOur institution has participated in other ACDA programs (e.g., workshops, webinars, ALVA, Screendance)Our institution has hosted an ACDA conference

YesNo

How many students can your institution commit to registering for the 2027 and 2028 ACDA conferences? (Minimum: 4)*

Describe any systemic, social, financial, or structural barriers that affect your institution’s access to ACDA membership and participation. (250 words max)*

Annual student enrollment in your dance program: Number of dance majors*

Annual student enrollment in your dance program: Number of dance minors*

Approximate total students participating in dance coursework (including non dance majors)*

Fully funded by institution/departmentPartially funded by institution/departmentFully funded by external fundraising / student personal fundsPartially funded by external fundraising / student personal fundsOther (please describe)

Name*

First NameLast Name

Signature*

Date*

Date