Application Deadlines
Reviewed on February 15, March 15, and April 15.
SOCAPA Scholarships for Summer Programs (U.S. Citizens)
$400–$1,200SOCAPA has limited funds available to help with tuition costs. Scholarship support does not apply to room and board or travel. Awards are based on family need and program need, so there may be more support for sessions that are not full. Flexibility with location and dates can improve funding opportunities.
If you are only available for one session or one location, scholarship funds for that specific option may not be available. In some cases, funding may still be available for another campus or date range.
Notification
Families are notified by email within two weeks of each review date.
Typical Awards
Most awards range from $400 to $1,200. For larger amounts, see outside scholarships.
Scholarship funds are not currently available for international students in this Summer Programs track.
How to Apply
You do not need to submit the $50 application fee when applying for scholarship support. If your attendance depends on financial aid, do not pay the deposit.
If you plan to attend regardless of scholarship outcome and want to reserve your spot, you may pay the deposit. The application fee is non-refundable.
How to Submit Materials
- Sign up for your preferred camp session.
- Continue your online application but do not pay the non-refundable application fee if aid is required.
- Submit all required application documents, then complete the additional scholarship packet below.
- Create one combined PDF with all Scholarship Materials.
- In your SOCAPA account, upload the file under Scholarship Application.
Incomplete applications are not reviewed.
Outside Scholarships for Summer Programs
Up to $3,000+Independent organizations offer awards that are often larger than SOCAPA's own scholarships. Families apply to them directly, and they can be combined with SOCAPA support. Deadlines come early, often in the fall and winter before the summer you plan to attend, so start now.
Recommended · Tuition for summer intensives
Anthony Quinn Foundation Scholarship
The Anthony Quinn Foundation (AQF) Scholarship helps high school students attend a recognized summer intensive arts program of their choice, including film, acting, dance, music, and photography. Funds are paid directly to the program. Awards are competitive and reviewed by an independent panel of professional artists and art educators, based on artistic talent, dedication, and commitment to growth.
Applications open
October 1, 2026
Registration deadline
November 30, 2026
Application deadline
January 5, 2027
Note: AQF does not fund programs a student has attended before, so it is best suited to first-time SOCAPA students.
AQF eligibility & applicationNew York State residents · Tuition
Empire State Summer Arts Scholarship
May fund up to 90% of tuition for qualifying students in grades 8–12. Family adjusted gross income must be below $91,000 per year.
Program detailsCash awards · Ages 15–18
National YoungArts Foundation
Awards of $250–$10,000 to exceptional artists in grades 10–12 across film, photography, theater, dance, music, and more. These are cash awards rather than summer tuition. The 2027 competition closed October 6, 2026; plan ahead for the next cycle.
YoungArtsCreative awards · Grades 7–12
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
A national competition with scholarships from $500 to $12,500, especially relevant for film and photography. 2027 applications opened October 1, 2026, with regional deadlines from December 1 into early January. Check whether awards can be used for summer tuition.
Scholastic AwardsExisting Cooke Scholars · Summer enrichment
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program
Comprehensive support for academically talented students with financial need, starting in eighth grade, which can include summer enrichment, residential programs, and arts training. This is not an open summer tuition scholarship, but current Cooke Scholars can ask their educational adviser about approval for programs such as SOCAPA.
Young Scholars ProgramCity Cinema: Full Scholarships in NYC (Year-round Program)
Full scholarshipCity Cinema is a separate Year-round program in Manhattan and is not the same program cycle as Summer Programs.
City Cinema Entry Points
- Summer intensives starting in late June and mid-July
- Fall semester starting in mid-September
- Winter semester starting at the end of January
For full details and to apply, visit the City Cinema page.
Application Deadlines
- May 15 for Summer Programs
- July 15 for Fall Semester
- December 15 for Winter Semester
Typical Award: Full Scholarship
SOCAPA City Cinema is a highly competitive program with a rigorous selection process driven by our unique financial model. Thanks to generous institutional funding, we are proud to offer full scholarships to all enrolled students, making industry-leading arts education accessible to talented young artists from all backgrounds. This support amplifies diverse voices and empowers students to tell stories that deserve to be heard.
SOCAPA City Cinema is committed to amplifying voices from underserved communities, while welcoming students from all backgrounds. The admissions team prioritizes applicants from historically underserved communities attending public or charter high schools in the five boroughs, but any high school student within commuting distance of the Manhattan campus is eligible and encouraged to apply.
Do You Attend a NYC Public High School?
If yes, you are in a priority group for City Cinema scholarship review. If no, you can still be eligible if you are a current high school student within commuting distance of Manhattan.
City Cinema Eligibility Requirements
- Current high school student from fall freshman semester through spring senior semester (no exceptions).
- Priority consideration for students from historically underserved communities in NYC public and charter schools.
- Students from any background within commuting distance of Manhattan are eligible and encouraged to apply.
Ready to Apply?
For Summer Programs, begin with Choose Course and apply for SOCAPA and outside scholarships. For City Cinema, review Manhattan program details and follow the application pathway there.