2026 Creative Spirit Scholarship Application

Description

2026 Creative Spirit Scholarship
Empowering Creativity. Celebrating Talent. Investing in the Arts.
Lee’s Summit Creates is proud to introduce the Creative Spirit Scholarship, designed to support high school seniors who demonstrate passion, dedication, and creativity in the arts.
We believe the arts shape leaders, storytellers, innovators, and community builders. This scholarship recognizes students in ANY field who use their creative gifts to inspire others and pursue meaningful goals.
Mission Statement
Lee’s Summit Creates is a grassroots nonprofit driving regional excitement and participation in the local arts community. We are an active advocate for artists, art organizations and art lovers, building a regional destination for creative expression, appreciation and connection.
Purpose 
Lee’s Summit Creates is honored to support and celebrate seniors who demonstrate passion, creativity, and dedication in the arts. This scholarship recognizes students involved in visual arts, performing arts, music, dance, theater, media arts, and other creative disciplines. Applicants should show how artistic expression has shaped their personal growth, future goals and connection with the community.
Thank you for applying. Please complete all sections thoroughly. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Who Should Apply?
High school seniors involved in:
Visual Arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, digital art, etc.)Music (band, orchestra, choir, composition, solo performance)Theater & Musical TheaterDanceFilm & Media ArtsCreative WritingDesign & Digital MediaCulinaryOther creative disciplines
Students do not need formal training in the arts to apply. Self-taught artists are encouraged to submit their work. This may include creative pursuits such as home baking and culinary arts, garage bands, chalk artists, digital creators, independent filmmakers, or any other artistic practice developed through personal exploration and passion.
What We’re Looking For
Applicants should demonstrate:
Dedication to their artistic craftGrowth and commitment in their disciplineParticipation in classes, workshops, performances, exhibitions, or community arts programsReflection on how the arts have shaped their life and future goals
Supporting Materials
Applicants should include:
☐ Applicant Information
☐ Artistic Focus
☐ School Participation (if applicable, but not required to receive grant)
☐ Art Experiences and Workshops
☐ Achievements and Recognition
☐ Portfolio Submissions (images, recordings, videos, writing samples, etc.)
☐ Letter of Recommendation
☐ Personal Essay
☐ Scholarship Use Statement
☐ Terms & Conditions Certification
Essay Requirements
Prompt: How have the arts shaped your life and influenced your goals? (500 word min - 750 word max)
Students should reflect on:
Their artistic journeyPersonal growth through creative expressionHow they’ve shared their art with othersFuture aspirations and the role the arts will play
Letter of Recommendation Requirements
One recommendation is required from a teacher, director, mentor, or arts instructor. Please upload your letter of recommendation in the 'Submission Section' along with your portfolio.
Letter must include:
Recommender NameRecommender Title/PositionRecommender Organization/SchoolRecommender Email
Portfolio Submission Requirements
We are asking for samples of your art that could be, but not limited to; visual art, film, music, writing, culinary arts, etc.
Submitted files should include the following materials:
Visual Submissions - must include 3-5 pieces.Performance Submissions - should be 2-3 minutes.Writing Submissions - should be limited to 1 piece
Important Dates
Call announced: August 18, 2025Submission deadline: September 19, 2025Notification of acceptance: September 30, 2025
Tutorial

You can leave this video on your call site's homepage (or embed it on any page) for a quick tutorial your users can watch to help them with the submission process.