PCNW Scholarships
Photographic Center Northwest (PCNW) is pleased to offer a need-based scholarship program.
We recognize that the heart of PCNW is our community, comprised of individuals from diverse walks of life. Each year we welcome hundreds of students to our courses from a variety of backgrounds, abilities, professions, age groups, all bringing diverse interests, new perspectives, and a passion for learning the art of photography.
Scholarships are awarded on both a quarterly and annual basis. Students are welcome and encouraged to apply each year or quarter; it is possible to receive multiple scholarship awards over the course of your studies at PCNW. Additional details, including available opportunities, application requirements, and deadlines, are provided below. If you have any questions, e-mail the Scholarship Committee at scholarships@pcnw.org.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
PCNW ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP
The PCNW Annual Scholarship offers full tuition awards for students seeking to commit to and engage in a full academic year of study (Fall, Winter, Spring) with PCNW, who could not otherwise attend PCNW classes. The scholarship funds may be applied to one class per quarter, for the consecutive quarters of the standard academic year: Fall, Winter, Spring. Recipients will be required to take a class each quarter during the academic year for which the scholarship is awarded in order to maintain their scholarship funding. Applications are accepted on an annual basis; the deadline is set during the summer preceding the Fall Quarter of the academic year for which the scholarship will be awarded.
NAMES FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Names Family Foundation Scholarship offers full tuition awards for students from populations underrepresented at PCNW (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, etc.) who could not otherwise attend PCNW classes. The scholarship funds may be applied to one class within a quarter. This scholarship prioritizes applicants from populations not heavily represented at PCNW, and is open to students of all skill levels who are interested in exploring the photographic arts. Applications are considered on a quarterly basis.
PCNW SCHOLARSHIP
The PCNW Scholarship offers partial tuition awards that may be applied to one class within a quarter; awards may range from 20% to 60% of per-class tuition. This scholarship is need-based and open to students of all skill levels who are interested in pursuing a career, certificate, or degree program in the photographic arts or a related profession. Priority consideration will be given to individuals enrolled in the Certificate Program. Applications are considered on a quarterly basis.
WORKSHOP SCHOLARSHIP
PCNW is offering need-based, full tuition scholarships to applicants from populations underrepresented at PCNW (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, etc.) to attend our workshops. This scholarship is open to students of all skill-levels interested in expanding their photographic skills and knowledge. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP
The Youth Scholarship offers partial to full tuition awards for PCNW’s summer youth programs. This scholarship is need-based and open to youth of all skill levels. Applications are considered on a rolling basis for summer programs.
UPCOMING APPLICATION DEADLINES
Summer 2023 PCNW & Names Family Scholarships
APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 24, 2023
» APPLY «
Spring & Summer 2023 Workshop Scholarships
Applications for Workshop Scholarships accepted on a rolling basis for Spring & Summer 2023.
» APPLY «
Summer Youth Scholarships
PRIORITY DEADLINE: June 1, 2023. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for Summer 2023, with priority given to those received by the priority deadline (note: summer teen workshops get underway July 10, 2023.
» APPLY «
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
PCNW accepts scholarship applications online. Link to the online application form is provided above in the “Upcoming Application Deadlines” section. Details specific to the Names Family Foundation and PCNW Scholarship application is available in the application form linked above and an overview is provided below. Details for the Workshop and Youth Scholarship Applications are provided in the corresponding links above.
Applicants must include the following items:
1. Completed application form
2. Letter of application explaining why you are applying for a scholarship
3. One copy of your most recent W-2 or tax return
4. Copy of your most recent pay stub (if available)
5. 5-10 jpegs of your photography
6. Optional: CV, letter of reference, artist statement
DETAILS OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
» PCNW reserves the right to determine which courses are available for subsidized tuition.
» Scholarships may not be used towards any cost except tuition. Scholarships are not cash awards; they are applied as a discounted rate towards a class. As such, scholarship applicants who want to ensure that they secure a space in a particular course, regardless if they receive a scholarship towards that class, should only pay the 15% deposit for tuition; refunds will not be provided to students who pay the full tuition and are subsequently awarded a scholarship. PCNW cannot award scholarships to applicants who have paid the full tuition for a course prior to or at the time of applying for the scholarship, or prior to receiving notification regarding a scholarship award for that course.
» “Full tuition scholarship” and/or “Partial tuition scholarship” means that PCNW will subsidize up to the awarded scholarship amount for one course during the quarter for which you apply.
» Scholarships do not include materials or any required fees for the course/workshop. Students are responsible for providing their own equipment, materials, and books as required by the course.
» Students are responsible for payment of any remaining tuition balance not covered by scholarship funds in accordance with our registration and payment policies.
» Scholarship funds are valid only for the quarter they are awarded; scholarships cannot be applied towards future quarters.
» All attendance and withdrawal policies apply and no academic credit will be awarded for incomplete courses due to withdrawal. See our Education Policies for details.
» Tax returns and pay stubs will be destroyed/shredded at the start of the term and therefore must be resubmitted with each new application.