To better serve the community and promote an appreciation for the arts, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts offers a number of scholarships to students in need. If you would like to apply for a scholarship, please carefully read the guidelines below.

Deadlines

  • Summer 2025 scholarships are due May 12, 2025
  • Fall 2025 Scholarships are due July 28, 2025
  • Winter 2026 scholarships are due December 15, 2025
  • Spring 2026 scholarships are due March 9, 2026
  • More than 200 tuition awards for 12- and 8-week classes and camps are granted annually.
  • We have application forms for Children, Young Artists (grades 6-11), and Adults.
  • Scholarships are need-based, and awards range from 50% to 100% of tuition. (Students are responsible for paying any materials fees and buying any additional supplies necessary for the class.)

Scholarship Guidelines

Please read carefully before completing application. Contact the school with questions or for assistance in completing scholarship applications. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee a spot in a class, however we always aim to assist applicants in finding the best possible placement in the event that their first selection is unavailable.

Evaluation criteria for financial need scholarships

  • Financial need and motivation. (75% children; 50% Young Artists grades 6-11, and adults)
  • Motivation and recommendation. (25% children; Young Artists grades 6-11, and adults)
  • Artistic merit based on creativity, technique, and presentation. (25% Young Artists grades 6-11 and adults)
  • Funds are limited. Partial scholarships (50% of tuition) may be awarded.
  • The decision of the scholarship jury is final.
  • Scholarships must be used in the designated term and year.
  • Separate applications are required for each term.
  • Scholarships may be applied to one course selection only.
  • Students must pay a materials fee and provide their own materials when needed. Contact the school director if additional financial help is required.
  • A letter of recommendation from teacher, counselor, religious organization, or community member addressing the applicant’s financial need, motivation, and ability should be attached.
  • Work samples (email digital images) clearly labeled with artist name are required.
  • Young Artists grades 6-11 and adults may submit up to 4 examples of recent art work digitally.
  • Children preschool to 5th grade should submit 1 work example (such as self portrait or fanciful design digitally).
Online Children & Young Artists Scholarship Application Form
Online Adult Scholarship
Application Form

Downloadable PDF Applications

Permanent Scholarship Funds

Provides 1 – 4 scholarships per year

Art League
Robert Bahlman
Amy DePree
Carol Fox
Roger Hansen
Avis Howard
Tom & Marty Kakuk Family Trust
Alice Kenworthy

Ruth Kolhoff
Ted Lawrence
Sue Leabu
Victoria Littna
Ward Nay
Louisa Paulson
Frank Sassaman

Steele Savage
Betty & Bob Spiegelman
Vera Steinhards
Scott Stratton
Ben Tibbs
George Todd
Julie Yochim

Permanently Endowed Scholarship Funds

Provide multiple scholarships per year

John and Rosemary Brown Fund
Lilia Chen and Friends Scholarship for Ceramics
Ann F. Shepherd Fund for the Arts
Harold Hope

Helen R. King
Harold & Irene Landes

Van Sickler
Turbeville-Wagner

Additional Funding

The Kalamazoo Institute or Arts Kirk Newman Art School

Education for the Arts (funded by the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation)

Lawrence and Sylvia Wong Foundation

The Marvin and Rosalie Okun Foundation

Current Scholarship Donations

These gifts are awarded during the same year the donation is made.

These gifts are awarded during the same year the donation is made. Donations, designated as scholarships, can be made in honor of, in memory of, as a birthday gift in an individual’s name, etc. Please inquire by emailing Leslie Donaldson, Director of the Kirk Newman Art School at leslied@kiarts.org.

Give the Gift of Art

Please consider a donation to the KIA Art School Scholarship Fund.

Each year we receive more requests from financially struggling children and adults for scholarship assistance. Any amount is appreciated.

To donate, please click here. Or call (269) 349-7775 ext. 3101 for more information.