Contributed by Kalamazoo RESA’s Education for the Arts Program

KALAMAZOO COUNTY (MICH.)-For the 15^th consecutive year Kalamazoo RESA’s Education for the Arts program (EFA), through funding from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, is offering students enrolled in Kalamazoo County schools scholarships to support their artistic growth and development. Residency requirements do apply.

The 2012-2013 Irving S. Gilmore Student Arts Scholarship will provide a total of $80,000 to students in grades K-12 to support their artistic explorations and studies. Students may use funds for a variety of artistic experiences such as: private music/voice lessons, arts camps, instrument rental, etc. Scholarships are awarded at three levels: beginning, up to $750; intermediate, up to $1,250; and advanced, up to $2,500. Student work samples must be provided for all intermediate and advanced level applications.

Deadline to apply for an Irving S. Gilmore Student Arts Scholarship is 4 pm, January 26.

The 2012-2013 Irving S. Gilmore Student Artistic Equipment Scholarship provides students grades 6-12 an opportunity to obtain high-quality artistic equipment, such as cameras, computers and instruments, to further their studies. A total of $20,000 is awarded between two types of Artistic Equipment Scholarships:

• Lending Grants: for equipment valued up to $10,000. EFA purchases a piece of equipment or instrument, not to exceed $10,000, and loans it to the grant recipient through their senior year of high school. At that time s/he may purchase the piece at a reduced cost.
• Capping Grants: for equipment valued up to $5,000. EFA awards recipients 50% of the total cost of the equipment/instrument up to $2,500. The recipient then owns the equipment/instrument and has no further financial obligation to EFA.

Applicants must demonstrate a high-level of talent and ability to qualify for funding. Deadline to apply for an Irving S. Gilmore Student Artistic Equipment Scholarship is 4 pm, February 23.

Applications must be submitted electronically at http://kresa.cuerate.org by 4:00 pm on designated due date. For more information about the scholarship programs and for the applicant workshop schedule visit the Education for the Arts website at www.kresa.org/efa or contact the EFA office by phone at 269.250.9244.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Deb Vliek, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, Kalamazoo RESA, (269) 250-9202