Pratt Young Scholars is a need-based, three-year scholarship program providing instruction in art and design with college preparation to motivated high school students. Through innovative and challenging studio experiences in the Institute’s youth programs, this scholarship provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue advanced studies in art and design.
Scholars participate in three years of required studio classes and electives, exposing students to higher educational opportunities and careers in the creative fields. This scholarship covers three years of studio instruction, all art materials for courses taken, Summer Scholars courses in July, a year-round college access program including SAT preparation, essay writing, and one-on-one guidance throughout the college application and financial aid process. Additional scholarships may be awarded for summer studio programs.
Classes and Curriculum
The Pratt Young Scholars curriculum scope and sequence includes three years of required studio classes and electives along with a college readiness program. See Classes and Curriculum to learn more.
Eligibility
Students are eligible to apply in their 9th grade year, for consideration for the program for the following year. Accepted students begin in the fall of their 10th grade year.
- Attend a New York City public school;
- Demonstrate an interest in art and design;
- Are academically prepared, highly motivated, and have demonstrated persistence;
- Commit to attending classes on Wednesdays after school and Saturdays for three years (no exceptions), as well as July summer programs; and
- Meet the income eligibility guidelines (The family’s household income must be within the limits defined by the NYS free/reduced lunches listed below.)
| Family Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Each Additional Person |
| Annual Income | $27,861 | $37,814 | $47,767 | $57,720 | $67,673 | $77,626 | $87,579 | $97,532 | +$9,953 |
Calendar
For a complete listing of class dates, see Calendar to learn more.
How To Apply
Complete the online application here: Pratt Young Scholars Application
Application Deadline is March 1st
Requirements
Before you begin the application, make sure you have the following documents:
- A copy of the most recent report card.
- One letter of recommendation from an art teacher, guidance counselor, or school administrator.
- Personal Statement (500 words maximum) responding to the following: Tell us in your own words about your interest in art and design, and when you first realized you wanted to pursue that interest. Describe what you consider to have been your achievements over the last two years and what you hope to learn in the Pratt Young Scholars program.
- Three images of artwork saved as JPGs (sketchpad pages and/or work produced at home or at school in any medium are acceptable.)
- Proof of financial eligibility.
Interview
Eligible candidates will be contacted for an interview, at which time:
- One parent/legal guardian is present.
- Proof of household income in the form of IRS tax return(s) from all legal guardians is presented (If you are unable to provide tax returns, proof of receiving EBT, section 8 or other forms of public assistance may prove eligibility)
- Students share five to fifteen examples of original work (completed in school and/or out of school) including the three already submitted, demonstrating their interest in art and design. Please include a recent sketchpad and a piece of work that is currently in progress.
Prepare for the interview by reviewing the program curriculum on our website.
Tuition
Pratt Young Scholars is a full-scholarship program for all accepted students. The cost of tuition and materials is fully covered by the program, however students are responsible for their own transportation costs to and from campus.
Parent and Student Guidelines
All Pratt Young Scholars must follow the policies as listed in the Parent and Student Guidelines. Read the program policies prior to the beginning of classes.
Contact Us
Email: scholars@pratt.edu
Tel: 718.636.3654 | Fax: 718.230.6876
South Hall, Room 203
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn Campus
200 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205
“Programs that can give my gifted students a chance to apply for college art programs on an equal footing with more advantaged applicants are urgently needed, and I truly appreciate Pratt’s interest in my kids.”M. Jaffe, High School Art Teacher
Pratt’s K–12 programs are generously supported by the Con Edison Company of New York, Inc., Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, Sara Little Turnbull Foundation, Walter K. Hoerning Endowment Fund, National Endowment for the Arts, New York State Council on the Arts, The Hearst Foundations, The Selz Foundation, The Edward and Sally Van Lier Fund of the New York Community Trust, The Irma Holland Wolstein Endowed Scholarship Fund, individual donors, and Pratt Institute.
