Scholarships & Payment FAQ

Cornerstone Center for the Arts is dedicated to providing arts education for all, and has scholarship opportunities available to those in need. Individuals who qualify for a scholarship may receive up to a 50% discount on their tuition but may receive a smaller discount based on qualifying criteria. Applications are processed in the order they are received.

Q: What is the difference between a scholarship and a payment plan?

A: A scholarship is offered to students who have significant financial need and benefit from governmental aid, such as SNAP, SSI/SSDI, or Medicaid.

A payment plan is available to individuals who are interested in paying for their class in two payments: $50 upon registration, with the remainder due on the first day of class. Failure to pay the remaining balance on the first day of class will result in an automatic drop from the class.

At this time, we cannot offer both a scholarship and a payment plan to the same individual.

Q: What is the discount code for scholarships?

A: A discount code will be sent to you upon approval. Approval can not be made until we have received the scholarship application and ALL the supporting documents. You will not receive a discount code without submitting all of the required documentation.

Q: I already paid for my class, can I get a refund if I submit a scholarship application?

A: No. You must submit a scholarship application and submit supporting documents in advance to receive a scholarship. Scholarships will not be retroactively applied.

Q: I have a gift certificate from 2021 or earlier. Can I use it to pay for my class?

A: No. Any gift certificates purchased or received (such as through a silent auction) prior to 2021 are no longer valid and cannot be used.

Q: Where is the scholarship application?

A: The scholarship application is available on this page. Please fill out all relevant information.

Q: What are supporting documents? What do I need to provide?

A: Supporting documents establish proof of need. These documents may include a Medicaid insurance card, a SNAP benefits card, receipt of SSI/SSDI benefits, proof of employment by a nonprofit organization, or other documentation as requested by Cornerstone.

Q: I don’t have any of the supporting documents listed. Can I still get a scholarship?

A: We need documentation of your need to approve the scholarship. If you are unable to provide proof or if you do not qualify for the scholarship, you can still apply for a payment plan. This will allow you to pay $50 upfront to reserve your spot in the class and pay the remaining balance on the first day of class.

Q: I don’t feel comfortable sending my personal information over the Internet. Is there another way to establish proof of need?

A: Yes! You can bring your documentation in person to Cornerstone Center for the Arts to be reviewed by the Education Department. Send an email to education@cornerstonearts.org to arrange a time to visit us.

Q: How will I know if I will receive a scholarship?

A: You will be contacted by a member of the Education Department with information regarding your application. If approved, you will receive a discount code to use when registering for class.

Q: I applied for a scholarship but haven’t heard back yet. What should I do?

A: If it has been more than a week since you submitted both your financial aid application and your supporting documents, please send an email to education@cornerstonearts.org to request an update.

Q: I received a scholarship and I still can’t afford the class. Why can’t you let me take the class for free?

A: As a small, local nonprofit organization, Cornerstone Center for the Arts cannot offer free classes. The tuition we receive from our students goes directly back into our classes to cover the costs of quality art supplies and to pay our instructors a fair wage. If you are still unable to afford class fees after receiving a scholarship, please contact the Education Department to discuss payment plan options.

Q: Who do I talk to for more information about scholarships?

A: Please contact the Education Department by emailing any comments, questions, or concerns you might have to education@cornerstonearts.org.

Q: Is there a limit on how many scholarships Cornerstone offers?

A: Yes. Unfortunately, we cannot provide a scholarship to everyone who applies for it. We have a limited number of awards available. Applications are processed in the order they are received, and approval is based on the grant funding and dedicated donations received.

Q: I applied for a scholarship. Does that mean I’m registered for class?

A: No. A scholarship application informs Cornerstone that you are interested in being considered for financial assistance, but is not the same thing as enrolling in a class. You will not have a spot until your tuition is paid.