[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/year; for pre-collegiate music expenses only.

Supports talented young musicians from low-income backgrounds with funding and national recognition to advance their classical music training.

Award requires participation in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship; cannot be used for college tuition.

--- ## Description The Young Artist Award, offered by the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation in partnership with From the Top, provides a one-time, need-based grant of up to $10,000 to exceptionally talented pre-collegiate musicians (ages 8–18) from low-income backgrounds. The award aims to remove financial barriers to advanced classical music study, such as private lessons, instrument purchases, summer festivals, and audition travel. Recipients also receive national recognition through participation in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship, which includes a performance on NPR’s From the Top and a remote learning program focused on artistic development and community engagement. --- ## Due Dates - September 1, 2025: Application deadline - November 15, 2025: Application deadline for high school seniors graduating in 2026 (final fall deadline) - April 15, 2026: Application deadline (current/final deadline listed) High school seniors must apply by the November 15, 2025 deadline to be considered. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to $10,000 per recipient (one-time, non-renewable) - Approximately 20 awards are given annually - Funds may be used for: - Instrument purchases - Private lessons - Summer camp tuition - College audition travel expenses - Music-related needs (excluding college tuition) --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be classically trained instrumentalists, vocalists, or composers, ages 8–18 - Must be full-time elementary, middle, or high school students (not yet entered college) - Must demonstrate strong musical commitment and unmet financial need - 90% of recipients come from families with annual AGI under $60,000; generally not encouraged to apply if AGI is over $100,000 (extenuating circumstances considered) - Must reside and/or study full-time in the United States (U.S. citizenship not required) - Home-schooled students are eligible with appropriate documentation - High school seniors are only eligible for the fall deadlines - Participation in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab Fellowship is required for award receipt - Cannot be combined with Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholars Program --- ## Application Process - Complete the [Learning and Media Lab Fellowship Application](https://apply.fromthetop.org/fellowship) - Toward the end, answer eligibility questions for the Young Artist Award - Required materials: - At least two unedited video or audio samples of music - Contact info for two teachers (academic and music) for recommendations - Family’s most recent tax forms and applicant’s academic transcript - All supporting documents must be uploaded via secure platform (not email/mail) - No application fee - Applicants will receive a decision within 90 days of the deadline - If not selected, applicants may reapply in future years (if still eligible) --- ## Additional Information - The award cannot be used for college tuition, textbooks, or non-musical expenses - Awardees are featured on NPR’s From the Top and must participate in the full fellowship curriculum - Past recipients and further details can be found on the [From the Top website](https://fromthetop.org/about-us/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/) --- ## External Links - [Jack Kent Cooke Foundation: Young Artist Award](https://www.jkcf.org/our-grants/young-artist-award/) - [From the Top: Young Artist Award Information & Application](https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/) - [Learning and Media Lab Fellowship 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/) --- ## Contact Information | Organization | Email | Phone | Web Contact | |-------------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Jack Kent Cooke Foundation | info@jkcf.org / grants@jkcf.org | 703-723-8000 | [Contact Form](https://www.jkcf.org/contact/) | | From the Top (Scholarship) | scholarship@fromthetop.org | 617-437-0707 Ext.4 | [Young Artist Award Page](https://fromthetop.org/apply/jack-kent-cooke-young-artist-award/) | ---

Young Artist Award

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