The holiday season is in full swing, and along with all of your baking and shopping, you may be attempting a few holiday crafts. If you love crafting during Christmas, or at any time of year, you’ll probably be surprised to learn that there are a few scholarships out there for students who enjoy arts and crafts. There are also scholarships that foster your creative mind.
Although most crafts don’t require a formal education, you can turn a simple hobby into a lifelong career. Whether you enjoy knitting, painting, drawing or any other type of related activity, here are a few examples of scholarships to harness your crafty side.
[Check out scholarships for students studying art.]
If you are interested in turning everyday crafts into a fulfilling career in the creative arts, consider scholarships for aspiring artists. The American Institute of Graphic Arts works to enable students who desire to influence the world with their talents but don’t have the financial means to do so.
Students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in a design or an art discipline can submit a written statement of purpose explaining how their experiences have influenced their creative work and career plans. Basic scholarships are between $2,000 and $3,000, with many honorable mention prizes of $500 awarded as well. The 2015-2016 academic year application will open in January of 2015.
If you could only take one photo, make one collage, draw one picture or paint one image that would capture who you are and what you want to achieve, what would it look like? Diploma Hill Classics, a company that sells diploma showcase frames and gifts, sponsors a scholarship for creative students called “How I Frame My Future.”
Students enrolled in a U.S. college or university for the 2015-2016 academic year can create one image, to be judged on creativity and originality, that shows who they are and their drive for success. Five winners will be chosen to receive a $1,000 scholarship. The program will be open until March 3, 2015.
[Explore scholarship awards for aspiring graphic designers.]
If crafting things out of wood is more your style, consider applying for the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association scholarship. Every year, the organization gives out college scholarships to students who want to study wood technology, machinery and related fields.
In addition to completing the scholarship application and turning in two letters of recommendation, you must also write a one-page letter describing your future aspirations and what qualifies you as a WMIA scholarship candidate. Applications are being accepted through Feb. 1, 2015.
If you’re a frequent crafter, some of your favorite craft suppliers might offer scholarships to help you pursue secondary education. Jerry’s Artarama, an art supply company, offers the Jerry’s Artarama Art Scholarship for students currently enrolled in or entering a full-time undergraduate or graduate program in the arts.
Applicants are asked to submit an essay explaining why they want to be an artist including what inspired them to do so, what the arts mean to them and what their future plans are within the art community. One $5,000 non-renewable scholarship will be awarded to the selected student in addition to a $500 gift card to JerrysArtarama.com for new supplies. Applications open in the fall, so make sure to keep an eye out for the October deadline.
[Get additional tips and advice on paying for college.]
If you love and admire the work you do in crafting and want to share your talent with others, you could have the potential for a successful small business. Entrepreneurs drive a healthy economy and as a result, financial aid for innovative ideas is abundant.
If you have already experimented with selling your personal crafts or have pursued other self-starting projects, the National Association for the Self-Employed Future Entrepreneur Scholarship may be a perfect opportunity for you. The scholarship provides up to $10,000 of education support to students who demonstrate excellent skills and abilities conducive to independent employment.
High school seniors and undergraduate students are selected based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership ability, recommendations and participation in school and community activities. Whether you are a knitter, painter, designer, scrapbooker or drawer, scholarships are an easy way to craft your future with a creative edge.
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Get Crafty to Earn College Scholarship Cash originally appeared on usnews.com
