Scholarships

Why Support Scholarships at ArtCenter?

At ArtCenter, our mission is: Learn to create. Influence change. To accomplish our mission, we must nurture the talents of the most deserving art and design students, regardless of their economic backgrounds. We understand that the cost of education can be a barrier, and that's why we are dedicated to providing our students with scholarship opportunities. By directing your gift towards scholarships, you become an essential part of our shared vision for equity and access to an ArtCenter education.

The Impact of Your Generosity

Donor scholarships at ArtCenter have a profound impact on the lives of our students and the future of art and design. When you choose to contribute to an existing scholarship or establish and name your own, you express your commitment not only to excellence in art and design, but to supporting a diverse and inclusive community. Your gift directly contributes to the socio-economic diversity of our student body, shaping a future where art and design address the needs, aspirations, and dreams of our global community. Your generosity will also help equip our graduates with the resources to tackle the complex challenges of our ever-changing world with innovative solutions.

Every Contribution Matters

No matter the size of your scholarship gift, it makes a significant difference. ArtCenter currently awards nearly 200 scholarships thanks to the generosity of donors like you. Our alumni, corporations, foundations, parents, and friends are making it possible for talented students to pursue their creative passions and receive an ArtCenter education.

Named Scholarships

Scholarship gifts are often deeply personal expressions of individual or family legacies. They can serve as memorials to loved ones or reflect a corporation's or foundation's commitment to fostering exceptional artists and designers for the benefit of industry and communities. Donors who establish their own scholarships have the opportunity to customize their gift by choosing a unique name for the fund and specifying awarding preferences.

Endowed Scholarships

To establish and name an endowed scholarship, a minimum gift of $50,000 is required. Endowed scholarships create a lasting legacy at ArtCenter, providing critical and dependable financial support to students for generations to come. Your gift ensures that deserving students have the resources they need to excel in their education and careers.

Current-Use Scholarships

With a minimum gift of $15,000, you can establish a current-use scholarship. These funds provide immediate financial relief to students, helping them cover tuition and other essential expenses. Unless otherwise indicated or pledged over multiple years, current-use scholarships are typically awarded in full within one year, addressing immediate student needs.

Your Scholarship Gift Influences Change

• 100% of your generosity supports socio-economic diversity among our student body.
• Scholarships enable ArtCenter to attract and retain the most talented and deserving students.
• Scholarships boost student confidence and provide motivation to students to persist in their studies.
• Scholarship gifts alleviate immediate financial worries, reducing student debt upon graduation.

If you are interested in establishing a named scholarship or have any questions, please reach out to us. Your support transforms lives, fosters creativity, and ensures that ArtCenter remains a hub of innovation and excellence in art and design education. Together, we are creating a brighter future for aspiring artists and designers.

Scholarship Spotlight

AXEL LIVES! Luke Gabriel Meraz Memorial Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship was established by ArtCenter Spatial Experience Design faculty member and father James Meraz in honor of his son Luke. In James’ words, Luke was an unconventional and truly unique artist/designer. He was an emerging artist, experimenting and trying to find his voice. A true amigo that always looked out for the underdog, the underserved.

In the spirit of AXEL, this scholarship celebrates and supports young urban artists in need who share Luke’s unconventional creativity and out-of-the-box vision.

Janice Feldman Endowed Scholarship

We are so grateful to the generosity of ArtCenter Trustee Janice Feldman who established a scholarship this year for talented graduate students in the Industrial Design program. Thanks, Janice!

Students First Endowed Scholarship

ArtCenter faculty and staff don’t just dedicate their professional lives to educating the designers of the future, they also address student financial need by making donations to the Students First Endowed Scholarship--- created by faculty and staff, for our students! What an incredible community we have.