Announcing Uniquely U

Calling all visual artists, performing artists, creative writers, and Nature & Sustainability enthusiasts!

  • Do you live in NYC or Long Island?
  • Are you a 2nd-12th grade student this school year?

We are kicking off the fourth year of our annual scholarship search — Uniquely U — and we want YOU to apply. Uniquely U is a celebration of creativity and self-expression. Show us what makes you U, and you could be selected to receive a full eight week scholarship (valued at $8,150) to Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts for the Summer 2021 season (June 28 to August 20).

Starting on March 29, 2021, we will be accepting submissions across the following Usdan Departments:

  • Usdan Art Logo - A blue paintube shaped like a U.

    Visual Art

  • Usdan Music Logo - Black music notes and lines shaped like a U.

    Music

  • Usdan Dance Logo - Blue footsteps shaped like a U.

    Dance

  • Usdan Writing Logo - A pencil shaped like a U.

    Creative Writing

  • Usdan Theater Logo - A blue, smiling theater mask shaped like a U.

    Theater

  • Usdan Nature Logo - A green laurel shaped like a U.

    Nature & Sustainability

How do I apply?

  1. Fill out the entry form.
  2. All applicants must submit a video that is no longer than 5 minutes and includes:
    1. Your name and grade ('20-'21 school year)
    2. Answer the question: "What Makes You Uniquely U?"
    3. Applicants sharing Writing submissions can submit up to 2,500 words.
    4. Share at least one art form you are passionate about.

      Applicants sharing Music, Theater, and/or Dance performances are encouraged to include examples of their work as part of the same (up to) 5 minute video.

      Applicants sharing Visual Art can submit up to 5 images from their portfolio.

      Applicants sharing Writing submissions can submit up to 2,500 words.

      Applicants sharing Nature & Sustainability submissions can submit a video, photo(s), artwork, and/or written work about the student’s work with and connection to nature and sustainability.
  3. On their entry form, applicants are asked to tell us at least one and up to three Usdan Departments in which they would like to Major this summer. Should they receive a scholarship and enroll, they will be asked to Major in at least one of these Departments for at least four weeks for Music and at least two weeks for Visual Art, Dance, Creative Writing, Theater, and Nature & Sustainability, during their eight weeks at camp.

Deadline

Submit your application by April 27, 2021 at 11:59 pm ET. Unfortunately, incomplete entries can not be considered. A panel of assessors will review all entries.

Criteria

The Uniquely U scholarship recipients will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Passion (a unique ability to communicate your love of the art)
  • Creativity (a uniquely individual approach and style to your work with a high level of impact on the audience)

FOR SCHOOLS

The school/institution yielding the most “Uniquely U” applications will receive the School Scholarship, giving them the opportunity to choose a student to attend Usdan for eight weeks this summer -- full tuition paid.

Mark your Calendars

  • March 29: Program kicks off
  • April 25: Submission period endsDEADLINE EXTENDED TO April 27 11:59pm ET.
  • Week of May 10: Usdan notifies Uniquely U scholarship recipients
  • Week of May 17: Usdan announces recipients via media, website, and social media