Creative Arts Talent Scholarships

DISTINCTION IN CREATIVE WRITING SCHOLARSHIP

Description of Award:
This award is for talented, emerging writers who are interested in pursuing the interdisciplinary Creative Writing minor which includes writing courses in English, Media Studies, Theater and Performance Studies, and Film.

Award amounts: Between $500 - $1,000
Incoming Freshman Award: renewable up to 4 years ($2,000 – $4,000)
Transfer or Continuing Student Award: renewable up to 2 years ($1,000 – $2,000)

Submission Deadline:May 1st 

Submission Process:
1. Apply to GSU as a first-year student or a transfer student.
2. Submit the following items in a single, complete packet as a digital attachment (not a shared file or link) to CreativeArts@govst.edu. In the subject line, please include the name of the scholarship and your last name.

a. Artist statement describing your writing sample and future writing goals.
b. Writing Sample, which may include any of these:

• 10 pages of poetry
• 2 complete short works (fiction, non-fiction, drama)
• Excerpt from long work such as a novel, graphic novel, or screenplay

Application and Renewal Guidelines:
To receive and maintain this scholarship, a student must enroll in and complete a minimum of one course per year leading to a minor in Creative Writing. Renewal subject to availability of funds. Additionally, the student must:
a. Apply and be accepted to GSU.
b. Must satisfy AIM HIGH criteria (available at http://www.govst.edu/aimhigh)
c. Declare a minor in Creative Writing.
d. Maintain a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average in Creative Writing courses.
e. Maintain a minimum 2.0 overall grade point average in all GSU courses.
f. Compliance with all university codes of conduct

DISTINCTION IN FILM ARTS SCHOLARSHIP

Description of Award:
Governors State University’s Art Program offers a limited number of Film Arts sequence scholarships to demonstrably talented GSU students as well as to incoming first-year and transfer students.

Award amounts: Between $3,000 - $6,000
Incoming Freshman Award: renewable up to 4 years ($12,000 – $24,000)
Transfer or Continuing Student Award: renewable up to 2 years ($6,000 – $12,000)

Submission Deadline: May 1st

Submission Process
1. Apply to GSU as first-year or transfer student.
2. Submit the following items in a single, complete packet as a digital attachment (not a shared file or link) to CreativeArts@govst.edu. In the subject line, please include the name of the scholarship and your last name.

a. a statement identifying reasons for interest in studying Film Arts and why the support will be beneficial
One or more of the following:
b. Filmmakers: a link to sample prior production work in Film Arts on YouTube or Vimeo along with the following details:
– Title of work
– Year completed
– Total length of sample
– Identify the section of the sample that should be reviewed (10 minutes maximum)
– Identify your role in the production of the work (e.g. writer, director, editor, cinematographer, etc.)
c. Screenwriters: submit a PDF writing sample, preferably in screenplay format. Your uploaded PDF should be no larger than 10MB.

Application and Renewal Guidelines:
To receive and maintain this scholarship, a student must enroll in and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester that include appropriate courses for the Film Arts concentration. Renewal subject to availability of funds. Additionally, the student must:
a. Apply and be accepted to GSU.
b. Must satisfy AIM HIGH criteria (available at http://www.govst.edu/aimhigh)
c. Declare a major in Art with a concentration in Film Arts
d. Maintain a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average.
e. Complete and pass an annual portfolio review of Art course work.
f. Compliance with all university codes of conduct

DISTINCTION IN MEDIA STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP

Description of Award:
The Media Studies Program offers a limited number of scholarships to talented incoming first-year and undergraduate transfer Media Studies majors (concentrating in either TV Industry and Production, or Social Networking and Participatory Culture). If awarded and the student meets the requirements below, they may be eligible to hold this scholarship for up to four years, subject to available funds.

Award amounts: Between $3,000 - $6,000
Incoming Freshman Award: renewable up to 4 years ($12,000 – $24,000)
Transfer or Continuing Student Award: renewable up to 2 years ($6,000 – $12,000)

Submission Deadline: May 1st

Submission Process
1. Apply to GSU as first-year or transfer student.
2. Submit the following items in a single, complete packet as a digital attachment (not a shared file or link) to CreativeArts@govst.edu. In the subject line, please include the name of the scholarship and your last name.

a. A 500-word essay addressing the following question: How did you discover your love for media and what obstacles did you overcome to create and pursue this passion?
b. A link to an online portfolio or reel that includes one or both of the following: a video project in which you played a major role. Review criteria: 1) Video runs 2-3mins maximum, tells an entire story, demonstrates basic skills in camera work, audio, and lighting; or 2) Another form of media project (for example: animation, or a story using Instagram, Tumbler, etc.) for which you played a major role. Review criteria: Project tells an entire story, demonstrates basic production skills in the chosen medium.
c. Letter of recommendation from a teacher who oversaw the media production project.
d. Letter of personal recommendation.
NOTE: If you are self-taught, please submit 2 letters of personal recommendation.

Application and Renewal Guidelines:
To receive and maintain this scholarship, a student must enroll and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester which include appropriate courses for the Media Studies major. Renewal subject to availability of funds. Additionally, the student must:

a. Apply and be accepted to GSU.
b. Must satisfy AIM HIGH criteria (available at http://www.govst.edu/aimhigh)
c. Declare Media Studies major.
d. Maintain a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average.
e. Continue to perform within the criteria for renewal eligibility which includes: serving 30 hours per semester as a Production Assistant in the Television Studio in a production role, as is appropriate to your concentration; and upholding professional standards and service as is appropriate to a professional studio.  The work schedule will be negotiated with the supervisor.
f. Compliance with all university codes of conduct.

DISTINCTION IN THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE SCHOLARSHIP

Description of Award:
The Theatre and Performance Studies (TAPS) Program offers a limited number of scholarships to talented incoming first-year and undergraduate transfer TAPS majors. If awarded and the student meets the requirements below, they may be eligible to hold this scholarship for up to four years, subject to available funds.

Award amounts: Between $3,000 - $6,000
Incoming Freshman Award: renewable up to 4 years ($12,000 – $24,000)
Transfer or Continuing Student Award: renewable up to 2 years ($6,000 – $12,000)

Submission Deadline: May 1st

Submission Process:
1. Apply to GSU as first-year or transfer student.
2. Submit the following items in a single, complete packet as a digital attachment (not a shared file or link) to CreativeArts@govst.edu. In the subject line, please include the name of the scholarship and your last name.
a. A brief 250-500 word essay summarizing theatre experience and academic/professional goals.
b. Two letters of recommendation (one from a teacher who is familiar with your theatre experience; one personal recommendation).
One or more of the following:
c. a link to Vimeo of a two-minute monologue (classical or contemporary)
d. a digital portfolio of design/tech work
e. a writing sample about a theatre-related topic

Application and Renewal Guidelines:
To receive and maintain this scholarship, a student must enroll and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester which include appropriate courses for the Theatre and Performance Studies major. Renewal subject to availability of funds. Additionally, the student must:
a. Apply and be accepted to GSU.
b. Must satisfy AIM HIGH criteria (available at http://www.govst.edu/aimhigh)
c. Declare a Theatre and Performance Studies major or minor.
d. Maintain a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average in Theatre and Performance Studies courses.
e. Maintain a minimum 2.75 overall grade point average in all GSU courses.
f. Participate in at least one TAPS production per year
g. Compliance with all university codes of conduct

DISTINCTION IN VISUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP

Description of Award:
The Art Program offers a limited number of art scholarships to talented incoming first-year and undergraduate transfer Art Studio majors. If awarded and the student meets the requirements below, they may be eligible to hold this scholarship for up to four years, subject to available funds.

Award amounts: Between $3,000 - $6,000
Incoming Freshman Award: renewable up to 4 years ($12,000 – $24,000)
Transfer or Continuing Student Award: renewable up to 2 years ($6,000 – $12,000)

Submission Deadline: May 1st

Submission Process:
1. Apply to GSU as first-year or transfer student
2. Submit 10 digital images and image list of your best artwork via Google Drive or Flash Drive.
*If by Google Drive, please share your folder to email address: CreativeArts@govst.edu
*If via Flash Drive (Note: Flash Drives will not be returned), send to:
Creative Arts Scholarship
Division of Arts and Letters
College of Arts and Sciences
1 University Parkway
University Park, IL 60484-0975

The 10 images of artwork can include any medium:
• Two-dimensional work (drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, collage, mixed media)
• Three-dimensional work (ceramics, sculpture, jewelry & metals, glass, etc.)
• Digital art (animations, web design, digital imaging, video, etc.)
• Graphic design
• Installation art

Submitting your work digitally means that you will need to correctly document work that is not already in digital format. For example, if you would like to include a drawing as one of your pieces, you will need to take a high-quality digital photo of the drawing and edit/adjust accordingly to provide an accurate representation of your work.

Tips and Advice:
• Use a high-quality camera to document your work.
• Make sure your image is clear, sharp and in focus
• Make sure image correctly depicts the original color, sharpness and tonal range.
• Eliminate distracting backgrounds by filling the viewfinder as much as possible with the artwork.
• Talk to your art teacher and ask for help in guiding you in selecting the very best work that highlights your artistic skill and creative ideas.

Digital Portfolio Images Must Conform To The Following Specification:
File Format: Baseline Standard JPEG file format only (Do NOT use PowerPoint or other presentation formats)
File Size: a good quality image around 1800X1800 pixels at 72dpi or 6”X6” at 300 dpi, no larger than 2.0MB
File Name: Identify each image with name & number, for example: LastName-01.jpg. LastName-02.jpg. LastName-03.jpg

Image List:
8 ½ x 11 Word Document listing the title/description, medium, year, and size of each artwork. Identify each artwork on the list with the same number as the JPEG filename.


Application and Renewal Guidelines:
To receive and maintain this scholarship, a student must enroll and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester which include appropriate courses for the Art major. Renewal subject to availability of funds. Additionally, the student must:

a. Apply and be accepted to GSU
b. Must satisfy AIM HIGH criteria (available at http://www.govst.edu/aimhigh)
c. Declare an Art major with a concentration in Studio Arts.
d. Maintain a minimum 3.0 overall grade point average in Art courses.
e. Maintain a minimum 2.5 overall grade point average in all GSU courses.
f. Complete and pass an annual portfolio review of Art course work.
g. Compliance with all university codes of conduct.

DISTINCTION IN FORENSICS SCHOLARSHIP

Description of Award:

GSU Forensics (Speech and Debate) offers a limited number of scholarships to incoming first-year, transferring undergraduate, and continuing undergraduate GSU students who are interested in participating in the Governors State Forensics Team.

Award Amounts: Between $3,000 - $6,000
Incoming Freshman Award: renewable up to 4 years ($12,000 – $24,000)
Transfer or Continuing Student Award: renewable up to 2 years ($6,000 – $12,000)

1.     Apply to Governors State University.

2.     Provide a single PDF document containing the following information. Send the PDF document to CreativeArts@govst.edu. In the subject line of the email, include your last name and “GSU Forensics Scholarship.”

A.   A 250-500 word essay detailing your interest in the forensics team. Be sure to include any experience you already have in speech and debate, or other comparable extra-curricular activities (Model UN, Toastmasters, Theater, Student Government, etc.).

B.    A letter of recommendation from a teacher/professor/extra-curricular advisor.

C.    A demonstration of competency in at least one (1) of the four (4) genres of forensics competition: Oral Interpretation, Prepared Address, Limited Preparation Speaking, and/or Debate. This demonstration can include a link to a brief performance video, a draft of a speech, or a debate case. You may also opt to audition in person with the forensics team with pre-approval from the Director of Forensics, Eddie Gamboa (egamboa@govst.edu).

If you are a returning student already affiliated with the GSU forensics team, you must make the following changes to your packet:

1.     Be enrolled for the following semester at Governors State University.

2.     Provide a single PDF document containing the following information. Send the PDF document to CreativeArts@govst.edu. In the subject line of the email, include your last name and “GSU Forensics Scholarship.”

A.   A 250-500 word essay detailing your experience with forensics at GSU. Be sure to include how the forensics team has benefited your academic and/or professional goals. You must also include how you intend to expand your forensics participation as a competitor and as a member of the team.

D.   A demonstration of competency in at least two (2) of the four (4) genres of forensics competition: Oral Interpretation, Prepared Address, Limited Preparation Speaking, and/or Debate. This demonstration can include a link to a performance video, a draft of a speech, or a debate case. You may use forensics performances you have developed at GSU in the past to display competency. You may also opt to audition in person with the forensics team with pre-approval from the Director of Forensics, Eddie Gamboa (egamboa@govst.edu). 

Recipient and Maintenance Guidelines:

Receiving and maintaining your GSU Forensics Team Scholarship is dependent on the following conditions:

1.     You must be enrolled in 12 credit hours per semester at Governors State University.

2.     You must satisfy AIM HIGH criteria (available at http://www.govst.edu/aimhigh)

3.     You must maintain a 2.5 overall GPA

4.     You must be in compliance with all university policies and the code of conduct.

5.     You must be an active participant on the forensics team, which includes:

A.   Attending our weekly meeting.

B.    Scheduling a minimum of two (2) coaching hours per week.

C.    Preparing at least two events over the course of the year. This can include participating in Limited Preparation Speaking.

D.   Attend at least three (3) tournaments over the course of the year.