[McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org)

November 2026 (application deadline, projected)

$300 for grades 3–6; $500 for grades 7–12; one award per student per year

Supports Minnesota students in grades 3–12 to pursue arts study or training with professional artists or organizations.

Activities and training must take place within Minnesota; scholarships paid directly to instructor or arts organization.

--- ## Description This scholarship program provides financial support to Minnesota students in grades 3–12 who wish to advance their skills in the arts. The funding enables students to study with a practicing professional artist, attend arts workshops, enroll in a series of classes, or participate in special arts training opportunities. Eligible artistic disciplines include dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual art, folk and traditional art, among others. The scholarship reflects a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to reduce systemic barriers to arts access for youth in the region. All activities funded by this scholarship must take place within Minnesota, and payments are made directly to the instructor or arts organization providing the training. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026 (anticipated/projected application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $300 for students in grades 3–6 - $500 for students in grades 7–12 - Only one scholarship per student per fiscal year The scholarship covers fees for lessons, classes, or workshops with professional artists or nonprofit arts organizations serving youth. Payments are made directly to the instructor or organization. --- ## Eligibility - Students in grades 3–12 - Must be a current resident of one of the following Minnesota counties: Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, LeSueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca, or Watonwan - Must have lived in Minnesota for at least six months prior to applying - Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident **Ineligible applicants:** - Previous scholarship recipients with overdue final reports - Students residing outside the nine-county region **Ineligible expenses/projects:** - Arts/music trips (e.g., band or choir trips) - Membership fees - Lessons or activities outside Minnesota - Projects primarily for religious socialization or to influence legislation --- ## Application Process 1. Visit the [Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council Youth Scholarship page](https://www.plrac.org/youth-scholarships). 2. Click “Applicant Login” and create an account in the online grant system. 3. Complete the application, including: - Information about your chosen lessons or activity, location, and contact info for the instructor/organization - Contact information for a parent or guardian - A brief statement on your interest in the arts activity - An online recommendation form submitted by an instructor (requested via email in the application system) 4. Submit the application by the anticipated deadline. 5. If awarded, funds are paid directly to the instructor or organization. *Note: Applications may be submitted in any language. Accessibility support is available.* --- ## Additional Information - Scholarships can be used for in-person or virtual lessons, as long as the instructor/organization is based in Minnesota. - A final report is required after completion of the scholarship activity (typically due September following the award). - Failure to submit a final report will make the student ineligible for future scholarships from Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council. --- ## External Links - [Youth Scholarship Program Information](https://www.plrac.org/youth-scholarships) - [Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=plrac) - [Eligibility & Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.plrac.org/s/Youth-Scholarship-300-or-500-Guidelines.pdf) - [Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council Home](https://www.plrac.org/) - [McKnight Foundation](https://www.mcknight.org) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |--------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@plrac.org](mailto:info@plrac.org) | | Phone | 507-833-8721 | | Program Page | [https://www.plrac.org/youth-scholarships](https://www.plrac.org/youth-scholarships) | | Accessibility Help | [info@plrac.org](mailto:info@plrac.org) |

Youth Scholarship for Students

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