The film industry is viewed as glamorous and exciting, but the reality of getting there can be challenging. Film students often have a difficult time finding scholarships that are targeted toward their field of study. Film schools are not inexpensive to attend, and students need the opportunity to apply for as many scholarships as possible in order to supplement their financial aid packages.
These 10 reputable scholarships will help students build their financial aid packages, covering educational expenses while they are in college.
1. Benjy Grinberg Rostrum Scholarship
Benjy Grinberg started the Benjy Grinberg Rostrum scholarship because he wanted to foster a way for creative students to achieve their dreams of higher education. This scholarship is in the amount of $1,000, and it is available to students ranging from high school seniors to graduate students. To apply, students need to write a 750-word essay detailing how their creative passions will influence their upcoming careers. This year’s deadline is May 31, 2021.
2. Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation Scholarships
This scholarship provides up to $3,500 annually. Students majoring in any field related to television and film are eligible to apply. Students need to demonstrate financial need, professional potential, and academic ability. The scholarship deadline is April 15, 2021.
3. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship
This scholarship is intended to help African American college students pursue studies in the visual arts, which includes graphic design, fashion, photography, and film. Students who want to receive this scholarship must carry at least a 2.5 GPA. They will need a resume, a headshot, two recommendation letters, and artwork samples.
4. The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalists
The James Alan Cox Foundation offers $2,500 scholarships to five undergraduates and one $2,500 award to graduate students. College and graduate students need to submit a video for considerations. High school students may submit a photo to possibly win a digital camera.
Students will need to submit an application, a brief essay, 2 letters of reference, a school transcript, relevant financial data, and a portfolio of their work. The deadline for this scholarship is November 15, 2020.
5. The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Fund for Student Support
This scholarship is intended for students at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. Students must have at least a 3.0 GPA to qualify. This award can be renewed annually as long as the criteria are met each year. The deadline will vary, and students should contact the school.
6. Frank Capra Jr. Film Studies Scholarship
The Frank Capra Jr. Film Studies Scholarship is intended for students who study at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. This $1,000 award is available for students who have completed at least 60 hours in film studies courses. Students need to maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA in all classes and a 3.5 GPA in film studies courses. Contact the school for application details.
7. The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Scholarships
These $10,000 scholarships are presented by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. This association is committed to advancing television and electronic media. The organization offers a slate of several scholarships recognizing excellence in many categories.
Some of these categories include journalism, sports journalism, and general scholarships for the television industry. Both national and regional scholarships are available. The deadline has not yet been established for the 2020-21 academic year.
8. Princess Grace Foundation Awards for Film
This foundation is a national program that is committed to supporting the talent of artists in theater, dance, and film. Students must be nominated by a college dean or department chair. Company artistic directors can also nominate students. No self-nominations are accepted. Applications for the 2020-21 academic year begin on September 1, 2020.
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9. Support Creativity Scholarship
This $1,000 scholarship award is targeted toward the New York area, also including the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Students need to submit a creative project highlighting their passion for their academic field. Fields that are eligible include art, animation, film, broadcasting, and digital media. Students must also present an essay.
10. Francis D. Lyon Scholarship
This $2,500 award is available for graduate students in filmmaking or related fields. Students need to be enrolled in a college or university in Canada or the United States. While the scholarship is provided by the Phi Delta Theta academic fraternity, any graduate student in the proper field is encouraged to apply. The deadline for the next academic year has not yet been set.
Pursuing a Film Career
Film students often experience a long climb from their student days to success in their field. Securing scholarships will help these students stay in school and reduce their dependence on other financial aid. Having scholarship opportunities like the Benjy Grinberg Rostrum Scholarship is an important way in which students can attain a film degree and follow their dreams.