Students in online degree programs in art can apply for scholarships

Students in online degree programs in art can apply for scholarships

High school seniors who plan to study art at on-campus or online universities next year have several options to help them finance their education, such as a new scholarship program from the Sigma Corporation.

For the first time, the photography equipment manufacturer will provide one prospective college freshman with financial assistance through its Sigma Corporation of America Scholarship program.

The company will select one student to receive a $5,000 monetary award to put toward the cost of tuition and $1,000 in Sigma products.

Students who are planning to study photography, photojournalism, graphic arts, design, visual arts or art history are invited to compete for the scholarship.

Eligible students may apply for the awards by submitting an essay and up to five photographs devoted to a single theme. All submissions will be posted online and the top three candidates will be determined by a public vote.

Company executives will select the winner based on the creativity, overall technique and image quality of their application.

The awards are intended to "empower and support up-and-coming photographers" by helping them receive training from classroom-based and online courses, said Mark Amir-Hazmeh, the company's general manager.