WHF Performing Arts Scholarship Program

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We believe every child and young adult deserves the opportunity to explore and develop their talents in the performing arts.  The term “performing arts” covers music, dance, drama and theatre, whether live or pre‑recorded, and includes the performers’ use of time, space, body and audience interaction.  This program provides need‑based assistance so youth and young adults can pursue high‑quality education across the spectrum of performing‑arts disciplines—from acting, music and dance to technical production and cultural performance arts.  Many talented young people from low‑income families struggle to pay for private lessons, instruments and summer programs; this program seeks to remove these barriers and nurture the next generation of performers, theatre makers and leaders. 

• Age: 6–30 years old
• Residency: Must be a resident of Maui County
• Discipline: Open to students pursuing any branch of the performing arts (acting, directing, vocal and instrumental music, dance, film and television performance, circus arts, puppetry, spoken‑word, choreography and composition). Backstage roles such as stage management, lighting, sound design, scenic painting, costume and makeup design and other technical theatre or production arts are also included.
• Community Engagement: Preference may be given to applicants involved in local arts activities or community service.
   

• Tuition for classes and workshops: Enrollment fees for performing‑arts classes, workshops, summer intensives and community‑theatre programs
• Private lessons: One‑on‑one instruction in voice, acting, dance or instruments
• Required materials and equipment: Necessary items such as dance shoes, costumes, instruments, scripts, props, lighting and sound equipment, software for audio/visual editing, scenic materials and masks
• Technical‑skills training: Courses in stagecraft, lighting and sound design, costume and makeup design, set construction, production management and film/television production
• Renewal option: Awards may be renewed annually for up to three years if recipients maintain eligibility and make satisfactory progress
   

• Residency & age: Applicants must be between 6 and 30 and reside in Maui County.
• Demonstrated financial need: Applicants provide tax returns or other documentation to show that household income meets program guidelines.
• Artistic commitment and potential: Applicants submit a statement of artistic goals (350–500 words), a short video or audio audition sample and a recommendation letter from a teacher, mentor or director attesting to talent, dedication and community involvement.
• Community engagement: Participation in local arts events or community service will strengthen an application.
• Priority groups: Preference may be given to students who lack other funding sources or come from under‑represented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
   

• Request an application: Complete an online pre‑application verifying residency and eligibility.
• Submit required documents: The completed application form, financial‑need statement with income documentation, artistic goals statement, audition sample and recommendation letter.
• Review & notification: The scholarship committee reviews applications quarterly. Awards are determined by financial need, artistic potential and available funding. Applicants are notified within one to three weeks after the review period.
• Renewal: Previous recipients may reapply annually (up to a maximum of three awards) if they remain eligible and demonstrate progress.
   

• Grant range:  Varies based on need and program cost
• Number of awards: Depends on available funding; the program aims to help as many students as possible but cannot guarantee aid to all applicants
• Payments: Funds are disbursed directly to schools, programs or training providers to cover tuition and fees. When materials are covered, receipts must be provided.
   

• Need‑based focus: The scholarship prioritizes financial need, though artistic ability is also considered.
• Non‑discrimination: The program does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability or other protected characteristics.
• Application deadlines: Applications are reviewed in quarterly cycles. Applicants should submit early, as funding is limited and awards are made on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
• Community engagement: Recipients may be asked to participate in WHF events, workshops or performances and to share their experiences to inspire other young artists in Maui.

The WHF Performing Arts Scholarship Program provides need‑based aid, assesses artistic talent and offers comprehensive coverage of tuition and materials so Maui’s youth can pursue their artistic dreams. By removing financial barriers and fostering community involvement, WHF aims to nurture talented performers who might otherwise be unable to access high‑quality arts education.