Scholarship Program

About the Scholarship

Smith Mountain Arts Council announces the availability up to two $2,000 two-year college scholarships for high school seniors demonstrating talent in the Performing, Visual or Literary Arts. Eligible students must be attending the following high schools or are home schooled in the geographic areas of these schools: Franklin County High School, Gretna High School, Staunton River High School, Christian Heritage Academy and SML Christian Academy.

Applications are open to students who will be studying in all recognized academic disciplines at either two- or four-year accredited colleges, universities, or community colleges. This is a change from a previous rule which stated that the scholarships were only available to students who planned to pursue an arts major. It is hoped that this will bring in a wider selection of talented students.

Scholarships will be paid in the amount of $1,000 per year for the first two years of enrollment. In order to receive the second payment, the student must submit his or her first-year transcript to the SMAC Scholarship Committee and show progress satisfactory. 

Applicants may not be related to any member of the Smith Mountain Arts Council Board of Directors, incomplete applications will not be considered, and scholarship amounts may be used only for tuition.

Method of Selection

Recipients will be selected by the SMAC Scholarship Committee.  Applications will be considered based on Artistic Goals & Academic Record; Artistic Activities, Awards & Honors; Other Academic Awards & Honors; High School & Community Activities and Work Experience. 

Application Requirements

Applications must be made through and endorsed by the Guidance Department/Home-School Coordinator.  Applications must be received by the committee by March 31, 2021 and must include the following::

• Completed Application Form
  
• Copies of Artistic Work [CD, portfolio, DVD, photos or samples]
  
• High School Transcript to Date
  
• Three [3] Letters of Recommendation: one [1] from arts teacher, one [1] from other teacher or high school official and one [1] from a community person not related to applicant
  

The application, and all attachments, including samples of the artistic work, must be emailed to the Scholarship Committee.

Application

Scholarship checks will be sent directly to the college on receipt of a copy of the letter of acceptance, mailing address, enrollment ID and social security number.  Scholarship funds will be applied only to the student’s tuition cost.