[Jack Kent Cooke Foundation](https://www.jkcf.org)

September 1, 2025 | November 15, 2025

Up to $10,000 (one-time, non-renewable) | ~20 awards/year | Must participate in Learning and Media Lab Fellowship

Need-based award for pre-collegiate classical musicians (ages 8–18) to support advanced music study, including participation in a national fellowship.

Award cannot be granted without full participation in the Learning and Media Lab Fellowship.

--- ## Description This opportunity provides a one-time, need-based award of up to $10,000 to exceptionally talented pre-collegiate classical musicians ages 8–18. The award is designed to help offset the significant costs associated with advanced classical music study, including lessons, instruments, summer programs, and audition travel. Recipients also participate fully in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship, which includes career development, community engagement, and a national performance on NPR’s "From the Top." Approximately 20 awards are made annually. --- ## Due Dates - September 1, 2025 - November 15, 2025 **Note:** High school seniors graduating in 2026 must apply by November 15, 2025, to be considered. The award is only available to students enrolled in high school or below. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Size:** Up to $10,000 (one-time, non-renewable) - **Number of Awards:** Approximately 20 per year - **Use of Funds:** May be applied toward music-related expenses such as instrument purchases, private lessons, summer camp tuition, travel for auditions or festivals, sheet music, and more. The award cannot be used for college tuition or non-music-related expenses. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must meet all the following criteria: - **Age:** 8–18 years old - **Status:** Full-time elementary, middle, or high school students (not yet in college) - **Discipline:** Classical instrumentalists, vocalists, or composers - **Financial Need:** Demonstrated unmet financial need; typically, past recipients have family AGIs under $60,000. Applicants with AGIs over $100,000 are generally not encouraged to apply, though extenuating circumstances are considered. - **Residency:** Must currently reside and/or study full-time in the United States (U.S. citizenship is not required) - **Other:** Must participate fully in the Learning and Media Lab Fellowship program - **High School Seniors:** Only eligible if graduating in the current academic year and apply by the fall deadline Home-schooled students are eligible but must provide grade summaries and non-parent recommendations. --- ## Application Process 1. **Single Application:** Application for the award is integrated with the Learning and Media Lab Fellowship application. No separate forms are needed. 2. **Required Materials:** - At least two unedited audio or video performance samples - Contact information for two teachers (one music, one academic) for recommendations - Family’s most recent tax forms (with all schedules and W2s) - Recent academic transcripts 3. **Submission:** All materials must be uploaded via the secure online portal. Do not send sensitive documents by mail or email. 4. **Selection:** Applications are reviewed for musical commitment, educational engagement, financial need, and character. 5. **Notification:** Applicants are notified of their status within 90 days of the deadline. **Apply here:** [Learning and Media Lab Fellowship Application](https://apply.fromthetop.org/fellowship) --- ## Additional Information - There is **no application fee**. - The award requires full participation in the Learning and Media Lab Fellowship, which includes a national radio performance and community engagement project. - The award is not renewable. - If not selected, applicants may reapply in subsequent years (until high school graduation). - Small ensembles may apply; contact the program for details. --- ## External Links - [Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award Information](https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/#Eligibility) - [Learning and Media Lab Fellowship Details](https://fromthetop.org/apply/become-a-fellow/) - [FAQs](https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/faqs-jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award-2/) - [Application Guide](https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/jack-kent-cooke-application-guide/) - [Apply Now](https://apply.fromthetop.org/fellowship) - [Past Recipients](https://fromthetop.org/about-us/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------------|----------------------| | Scholarship Department | [scholarship@fromthetop.org](mailto:scholarship@fromthetop.org) | (617) 437-0707 Ext. 4 | | Jack Kent Cooke Foundation| [info@jkcf.org](mailto:info@jkcf.org) | 703-723-8000 | | Foundation Contact Page | [Contact JKCF](https://www.jkcf.org/contact/) | |

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award

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