NYCDA Foundation College Scholarship Program

The National College Scholarship Audition opportunity is being offered in conjunction with the NYCDA 4-day National Summer Workshop at the Sheraton New York and the Arizona Biltmore. The audition will consist of a ballet class, a jazz class, a contemporary class, and potential interviews. A separate application is needed to audition. All dancers must participate in all three dance genres. Scholarship Details • Scholarships for the range from $5,000 to $150,000. • A professional Selection Committee (not NYCDA faculty) evaluates applicants. • Auditions take place during the NYCDA 4-day National Summer Workshop. Eligibility Criteria • High school dancers graduating this year or next year. • Applicants must register for and attend the NYCDA 4-day Summer Workshop. • Separate application required for the scholarship audition. Application Process 1. Register for the NYCDA 4-day Summer Workshop by May 19th. 2. Complete the separate scholarship audition application (coming soon on the NYCDA website). 3. Attend one of the audition locations: July 1st: Sheraton New York, New York City July 15th: Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix 4. July 1st: Sheraton New York, New York City 5. July 15th: Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix 6. Participate in ballet, jazz, and contemporary classes, as well as potential interviews during the audition. This audition will only be open to dancers registered to attend the NYCDA 4-day Summer Workshop and who have most recently completed their Junior or Senior year in high school. This will also serve as the scholarship evaluation for our College Partners. 2026 National College Scholarship Audition cycle update: There will be two auditions in the summer of 2026: June 28, 2026 at Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix and July 11, 2026 at Marriott Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra, FL. The 4-day National Summer Workshop registration cut-off is May 15, 2026. The 2026 Foundation College Scholarship Application is coming in April 2026. The scholarship recipient must pursue a performance-based major (dance, musical theater BA or BFA program) in college. Dancers choosing certain certificate programs will receive 50% of the amount originally awarded (NYCDA Foundation scholarships may not be used for programs affiliated with Steps on Broadway; CLI is not eligible for Foundation Funds). Foundation scholarships for class of 2026 graduates directly from NYCDA Foundation usually range $5,000-$25,000; College Partners scholarships for class of 2027 recruiting range $10,000-$150,000. Since inception in 2010, the foundation has awarded nearly $5,000,000 in college scholarships. College Partners scheduled to attend in 2026 include Marymount Manhattan College, Point Park University, Mercyhurst University, Pace University, Southern Methodist University, Montclair State University, The Hartt School, University of Arizona Tucson, Dean College, Western Michigan University, Texas Christian University, California Institute of the ARTS, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts, Adelphi University, Chapman University, and New World School of the Arts.