YoungArts Competition

Scholarship Sponsored by National YoungArts Foundation

To be eligible, you must be able to answer Yes to these statements:

• I am either a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident or legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S. (i.e., have a social security number).
• I am in grades 10x12 or 15x18 years of age on December 1 of the year I am applying.
• If I’m selected as an award winner with distinction, this would be my first time attending National YoungArts Week.

2026 Application Key Dates

We invite you to save the following key dates as you plan to apply or support artists in their application process:

• Tuesday, July 22: 2026 YoungArts Application Opens
• Tuesday, August 12: Parents & Guardians Info Session
• Tuesday, August 26: Educators & Community Partners Info Session
• Tuesday, September 16: Prospective Applicants Info Session
• Tuesday, October 7: 2026 YoungArts Application Closes
• Monday, November 24: Winners Announcement

Sign up for our application interest list to receive announcements, updates, tips and reminders about the competition.

Why Apply?

Cash awards: Receive cash prizes between $250 and $10,000.

Mentorship by accomplished artists: We provide mentorship opportunities with accomplished artists to help award winners prepare for and navigate a career in the arts.

A lifetime of creative and professional support: YoungArts is more than an award. Artists access resources and opportunities at every stage of their development to support a sustainable practice.

A robust network: YoungArts award winners join a community of distinguished artists that provides a long–term, robust network to help artists at all stages of their education and career.

Nomination for U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts: Each year, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects 20 YoungArts award winners who attend National YoungArts Week as U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who exemplify academic and artistic excellence.

National recognition: The prestigious award gives emerging artists a head start by demonstrating that they have received national recognition from highly respected artists in their field early on in their artistic journey.