The ORION Foundation awards annual scholarships ranging from $1000-$5000 to graduating high school seniors who intend to pursue a degree in the arts, counseling, or psychology. The award is given with hope to fuel passions and aid in further development through formal education.
Apply for a Scholarship
Applicant Requirements:
- High school senior
- U.S. citizen
- Cumulative/weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Attend an accredited four-year college/university as a student for the upcoming fall semester with intent to pursue a degree in the arts, counseling, or psychology.
- A signed APPLICATION.
- OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT with grades and cumulative/weighted GPA posted through the fall semester of high school senior year. NOTE: If awarded the scholarship, a FINAL high school transcript with cumulative/weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher will need to be submitted in order for the award check to be issued.
- One LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION from a teacher, coach, mentor, or supervisor who has direct knowledge of the applicant’s participation/goals in the arts, counseling, or psychology related activities.
- A one-page PERSONAL ESSAY explaining why entering into the field of the arts, counseling, or psychology is important to you. Include college and career plans.
- A LIST OF ACADEMIC HONORS, LEADERSHIP SKILLS, COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND RELATED ACCOMPLISHMENTS, etc.
WARNING: Falsifying information and/or using AI or ChatGPT does not allow us to gain insight on the applicant’s passions towards the field. Applications using invalid and/or computer generated information will be denied.
FAQ's
When Can I Apply?
Application packets may be submitted after completion of the fall semester of applicant’s high school senior year.
Application packets must be emailed to [email protected] by May 31st to be considered.
Where do I send my applications and supporting documents?
Application and supporting documents should be sent in one email to [email protected]. You WILL receive an email confirming receipt of your application packet. If you have any questions, please feel free to email at [email protected].
How Are Winners Selected?
A selection committee will consider the respective academic history, educational goals, and career ambitions of each applicant. All applicants are rated blindly, meaning identifying information (i.e. applicant name) is removed before sending packets to the selection committee.
How Will I Be Notified?
All applicants will be notified of the committee’s decisions by email.
Where May I Attend?
Recipients may attend an accredited, public or private, four-year college/university. The recipient’s school of choice must be exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The institution must be an educational organization that normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly carried on. To the extent the institution is involved in the selection of the recipients (if at all), such involvement must comply with the Foundation’s policy of awarding scholarships on an objective and non-discriminatory basis as well as the Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy.
What is considered the arts?
According to United States Code (20 U.S.C. 952 b), the term “the arts” includes, but is not limited to, music (instrumental and vocal), dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and craft arts, industrial design, costume and fashion design, motion pictures, television, radio, film, video, tape and sound recording, the arts related to the presentation, performance, execution, and exhibition of such major art forms, all those traditional arts practiced by the diverse peoples of this country and the study and application of the arts to the human environment.
Any helpful tips?
Application packets may be submitted after completion of the fall semester of applicant’s high school senior year.
Application packets must be emailed to [email protected] by May 31st to be considered.
Where do I send my applications and supporting documents?
Application and supporting documents should be sent in one email to [email protected]. You WILL receive an email confirming receipt of your application packet. If you have any questions, please feel free to email at [email protected].
How Are Winners Selected?
A selection committee will consider the respective academic history, educational goals, and career ambitions of each applicant. All applicants are rated blindly, meaning identifying information (i.e. applicant name) is removed before sending packets to the selection committee.
How Will I Be Notified?
All applicants will be notified of the committee’s decisions by email.
Where May I Attend?
Recipients may attend an accredited, public or private, four-year college/university. The recipient’s school of choice must be exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The institution must be an educational organization that normally maintains a regular faculty and curriculum and normally has a regularly enrolled body of pupils or students in attendance at the place where its educational activities are regularly carried on. To the extent the institution is involved in the selection of the recipients (if at all), such involvement must comply with the Foundation’s policy of awarding scholarships on an objective and non-discriminatory basis as well as the Foundation’s Conflict of Interest Policy.
What is considered the arts?
According to United States Code (20 U.S.C. 952 b), the term “the arts” includes, but is not limited to, music (instrumental and vocal), dance, drama, folk art, creative writing, architecture and allied fields, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic and craft arts, industrial design, costume and fashion design, motion pictures, television, radio, film, video, tape and sound recording, the arts related to the presentation, performance, execution, and exhibition of such major art forms, all those traditional arts practiced by the diverse peoples of this country and the study and application of the arts to the human environment.
Any helpful tips?
- Send one email with all submission requirements.
- Be sure information in all documents can be easily read.
- Don't send small versions of documents.
- Get a recommendation letter that truly speaks to who you are and who you aim to become.
- BE YOU! Authenticity and passion drive the selection not names and numbers.
- Routinely monitor your email account and be timely in response.