Scholarship/portfolio prep program

JCAL is pleased to announce a generous grant to support several new arts education initiatives for Queens-based youth. They include need-based scholarships for Spring 2027 students and a new high school Portfolio Prep Program for students now in grades 6, 7, and 8.

Deadline December 19

About jcal Scholarship Initiative

Through the grant’s support, JCAL’s scholarship initiative will increase accessibility for students and center community engagement in arts education. Both programs are available for Queens-based applicants exclusively, for grades 6 and 7.

Applications are subject to case-by-case review by an internal committee, which evaluates each candidate's financial background, submitted personal statement, and extenuating circumstances. Financial eligibility is calculated using household income and dependent size relative to the 2026 Federal Poverty Level (FPL) published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and NY State of Health benefit thresholds.

Each JCAL scholarship will cover 100% of tuition for one class during the Spring 2027 semester; a maximum of two scholarships may be awarded per family household. Concurrently with the opening of the submission portal on Nov. 9, a virtual information session will be announced on JCAL’s social media and newsletter. The application deadline is Dec. 19. Award notifications will be sent via email on Feb. 1, 2027.

Learn More and apply

About JCAL Portfolio Prep Program

Led by JCAL Teaching Artist and Education Fellow Erica Purnell, JCAL’s Portfolio Prep Program will help students grades 6, 7, and 8 to build the skills, artwork, presentation habits, and confidence needed to apply to New York City specialized and audition-based arts high schools. This initiative will span February to May, with weekly 2.5-hour sessions Classes will be composed of small-group studio practices, weekly critiques, individualized coaching, and one-on-one feedback and is priced at $350, inclusive.

Applicants for the Portfolio Prep Program must submit 4 to 6 original artworks and answer required application questions. Applicants need not be advanced artists or already have a finished portfolio. Selection is based on artistic interest, foundational ability, original thinking, commitment, and potential for growth.

The portal for the Portfolio Prep Program will also open on Nov. 9 and close on Dec. 19, with recipients announced on Feb. 1, 2027. For updates regarding these initiatives, subscribe to JCAL’s mailing list and follow on social media @jamaicaartscenter.

Learn More and apply

  • "Our team is grateful for this generous grant, which seeds a number of initiatives, including the new scholarships and Portfolio Prep, that are aligned with our values and will strengthen JCAL’s approach to learning"

    Leonard Jacobs, Executive Director

  • "I’m delighted with the support in advancing these important initiatives, which reflect our core commitment to making high-quality arts education accessible and affordable for our community." 

    Marcello Di Russo, Manager of Education

  • “I’m incredibly enthusiastic that this grant is making this Portfolio Prep program possible for young artists in our community at JCAL. Through this program, students will receive the guidance, encouragement, and practical tools they need to strengthen their portfolios and build confidence in their creative voices.”

    Erica Purnell, Education Fellow and Visual Arts Teaching Artist

  • “A society grows stronger and more human, when it plants seeds specifically for a future we can only imagine. This grant helps that imagination.” 

    Courtney Ffrench, Artistic Director