Application Instructions:
Families only need to apply for a scholarship once per programmatic year. This means that if you apply for a scholarship for Fall 2025 classes, you won’t need to reapply in the same year for Spring 2026 classes or Summer 2026 camps. If you applied for a scholarship between Fall 2024 and Summer 2025, you will need to reapply for programs that take place between Fall 2025 and Summer 2026.
To be considered for a scholarship, be sure to submit your application before the program’s due date. Application due dates for upcoming programs are included below.
Scholarship Application Instructions:
APPLICATIONS FOR FALL PROGRAMS ARE DUE BY AUGUST 25, 2025.
STEPS TO APPLY:
- Use the orange button below to find the online scholarship application.
- On the newly opened page, you’ll see “2025-2026 Scholarship Application” listed. Choose “Register”, and then either log in to your account or create a new account.
- Once you are logged in and have added your student to your account, select “Checkout”. Then, select “Proceed to Checkout”.
- On the next page, add the details related to your scholarship request. When you are finished, choose “Checkout”.
- You will receive an automated confirmation email once your application is received. It will take our office two to three weeks to follow up with award details.
- Complete this process again for each student in your family whom you plan to enroll in a current SPARC program.
Program Costs for Teens:
Are you a teenager who needs to cover program costs on your own? If so, please call or email us to discuss how we can help you to address payments. We look forward to talking with you!
Scholarship FAQs
How do I get started with the scholarship process?
In addition to the instructions listed above, please be sure to review our current catalog of offerings so that you know what program to list on your application. We will hold a spot for you in that program while your application is reviewed.
When will I hear back about my application?
It usually takes our two two to three weeks to review a family’s application. Scholarship award emails are sent on a rolling basis and at least two weeks before programs begin.
What type of scholarships does SPARC provide?
SPARC’s scholarships are awarded based on expressed financial need. Scholarships are awarded on a sliding scale and typically range from 25% to 95% discounts on the cost of programming.
Do I qualify for a scholarship?
Applicants have the option to include a personal statement along with their financial statement, if they feel it will help the scholarship committee to gain a better perspective of their family’s circumstances.
What will I need to include in my application?
The scholarship application is brief, with fewer than 15 questions. Most of these questions ask for details like names, contact information, and number of people in the household.
Toward the end of the application, you’ll need to include a statement of your family’s net monthly income (AKA “take-home pay”). Then you’ll need to attach verification of your income. We prefer to review recent documentation that best speaks to your family’s current circumstances.
Examples of acceptable income verification documents include…
- Approval of unemployment insurance claims
- Paystubs dated in the last two weeks
- SNAP benefits statements
- WIC benefits statements
- TANF benefits statements
- FAMIS enrollment statements
- Free or reduced breakfast/lunch enrollment
- The first two pages of your most recent federal tax return (if that return is still representative of your current income)
If you do not have access to any of these types of documents, please email us at sparc@sparcrichmond.org to discuss what other options you may have.
How does SPARC review the financial information I include in my application?
What does my child’s scholarship cover?
Scholarships support a young person’s participation in one class per program per season for the year. For example, an award can support a young person’s participation in one fall training class and a production that same fall. Another young person could participate in one Live Art class for the year and participate in Spectrum for the full year, too.
In the summer, a young person can attend a maximum of two weeks of programming with scholarship support. Summer scholarships also support the cost of early arrival and extended afternoon care.
Have questions about scholarships? Please reach out!
We are always accepting new students for upcoming classes, camps, and programs!
If you have any questions about SPARC or any of our offerings, please reach out to us by filling out our contact form on this page or by giving us a call at our office at (804) 353-3393.
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SPARC is supported, in part, by the Virginia Commission for the Arts, which receives support from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
