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

September 1, 2025 | November 15, 2025 | April 15, 2026

Up to $10,000 (one-time, non-renewable); ~20 awards annually.

Need-based award for pre-collegiate classical musicians (ages 8–18), coupled with participation in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship.

High school seniors graduating in 2026 must apply by November 15, 2025.

--- ## Description The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award provides a one-time, need-based grant of up to $10,000 for talented pre-collegiate classical musicians aged 8–18. The award is intended to help offset the high costs associated with advanced music study, such as instrument purchases, summer music camps, private lessons, and travel for auditions or competitions. Recipients are also required to participate fully in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship, which includes educational and media opportunities such as a performance on NPR’s From the Top radio program. The application for the award is integrated with the Fellowship application, and there is no application fee. --- ## Due Dates - September 1, 2025: Application deadline (fall deadline) - November 15, 2025: Final application deadline for high school seniors graduating in 2026 - April 15, 2026: Application deadline (spring deadline) *High school seniors graduating in 2026 must apply by November 15, 2025 to be considered. The award is only available to students who are still enrolled in high school or below.* --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $10,000 per recipient (one-time, non-renewable) - Approximately 20 awards are given each year Funds may be used for: - Instrument purchases and accessories - Summer music festival or camp tuition - Private lessons, masterclasses, and workshops - Travel and lodging for music-related activities (festivals, auditions, competitions) - Sheet music, scores, concert attire, and select recording equipment/software *Note: The award cannot be used for college tuition, textbooks, or non-music-related expenses.* --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be classical instrumentalists, vocalists, or composers aged 8–18 - Be full-time elementary, middle, or high school students (not yet entered college) - Demonstrate strong musical commitment and engagement in learning/creativity - Show strength of character (drive, initiative, leadership, community commitment) - Have unmet financial need (most recipients have family AGI under $60,000; applications from families with AGI over $100,000 are discouraged unless extenuating circumstances exist) - Reside and/or study full-time in the United States (U.S. citizenship not required) - Be willing and able to fully participate in the Learning and Media Lab Fellowship Additional notes: - Home-schooled students are eligible (must submit grade reports and recommendations from non-parent educators) - High school seniors must apply by the November deadline of their graduating year - Students in the Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program are not eligible --- ## Application Process 1. Complete the [Learning and Media Lab Fellowship Application](https://apply.fromthetop.org/fellowship). The application includes questions to determine eligibility for the Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. 2. If eligible, complete the Scholarship Supplement Form (instructions provided via email after initial application). 3. Required materials: - At least two unedited audio or video performance samples - Contact information for two teachers (one academic, one music) for recommendations - Family’s most recent tax forms (all schedules, attachments, W2s) - Recent academic transcripts 4. All documents must be submitted via the secure online portal (do not mail or email sensitive documents). 5. There is no application fee. Applicants will be notified of their status within 90 days of the application deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Participation in the Learning and Media Lab Fellowship is mandatory to receive the award. - Award recipients are featured on NPR’s From the Top radio program. - Applicants not selected for the award may still be considered for the Fellowship. - Applicants may reapply in future years if not selected (until high school graduation). - For small ensemble applicants, contact scholarship@fromthetop.org for instructions. --- ## External Links - [Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award – Program Page](https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/#Eligibility) - [Application Portal](https://apply.fromthetop.org/fellowship) - [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/) - [Funder Overview](https://www.jkcf.org/our-grants/young-artist-award/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------------|--------------------------| | General questions (From the Top) | scholarship@fromthetop.org
(617) 437-0707 Ext. 4 | | Funder (Jack Kent Cooke Foundation) | info@jkcf.org
(703) 723-8000
[Contact page](https://www.jkcf.org/contact/) | | Technical/application issues | scholarship@fromthetop.org | | Ensemble/special cases | scholarship@fromthetop.org |

The Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award

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