Scholarship Opportunities

With thanks to our generous donors and partnerships, RISD Continuing Education is able to welcome more than 100 scholarship students each year across our many programs.

Through our various Partner Scholarships and the RISD Continuing Education Scholarship Fund, we are proud to support:

  • BIPOC youth interested in pursuing careers in art and design
  • Students from historically underrepresented groups
  • First-generation students
  • Low-income students
  • Rhode Island-based students

Many of the scholarships listed have different deadlines, timelines and application requirements. Review carefully and visit the specific websites listed below for more information. Scholarship applications are reviewed confidentially and do not influence admission decisions.

Blue and green yarn.

RISD Continuing Education Scholarship Fund

Working closely with RISD’s Division of Institutional Advancement, the Continuing Education Scholarship Fund subsidizes tuition, provides essential materials, and empowers learners of all ages to pursue their artistic ambitions through RISD’s Continuing Education program. Gifts to this fund help ensure our students with financial need can afford to participate in our CE programs and share their gifts with the world.

Partial scholarships are available for the fall, winter, spring and summer terms to students taking adult extension and youth courses who demonstrate significant financial need. RISD CE programs do not qualify for federal or state financial aid through the FAFSA. Scholarship awards are limited and the amounts vary based on the quantity of qualified applications received. When granted, award amounts usually offset a portion of the tuition for a single course only. Applicants who have attended RISD CE courses or who have applied for scholarships previously must be in good standing with RISD CE.

  • To apply, submit a Scholarship Application (available in the Student Portal when registration opens for the fall, winter, spring and summer semesters) by the deadline specified on the RISD CE calendar.
  • Late applications will not be processed.
  • Questions about submitting? Please contact the RISD CE Office at 401 454-6200 or risdce@risd.edu
  • If you, or someone you know, would like to contribute to the fund, please give now to the Continuing Education Scholarship Fund.

Partner Scholarships

Our mission at RISD Continuing Education is to provide an immersive and innovative art and design education for everyone, at all stages of life and all levels of experience. One way we demonstrate that commitment to accessibility is by partnering with and forming relationships with outside organizations that provide scholarships for historically underrepresented students and BIPOC youth interested in pursuing careers in art and design.

  • To qualify for a RISD CE Partner Scholarship you must be nominated by a current partner organization.
  • The selection process and criteria for Partner Scholarships are based on each specific organization.
  • Applicants must be nominated by one of the organizations listed below to be considered for a Partner Scholarship and nominations do not guarantee admission.
  • If you have questions about applying to RISD CE Partner Scholarships, please contact us at 401 454-6200 or risdce@risd.edu

The All Course Network is designed to help districts and schools create opportunities for Rhode Island high school students to envision, pursue and complete their individualized graduation pathway.

For Pre-College students, Crafting the Future works to diversify the fields of art, craft and design by connecting BIPOC artists with opportunities that will help them thrive.

For Pre-College students, Creatives Want Change (CWC) is dedicated to the cultivation of Black creative talent beginning at the high school level and continuing into early professional development.

For Rhode Island residents, the mission of Project Open Door is to increase access to high-quality arts learning and careers in art and design for Rhode Island’s urban core city public high school students and to provide a community education platform for RISD students, faculty, staff and alumni.

The Tomaquag Indigenous Museum is dedicated to educating the public about Indigenous history, culture, and arts.

Donor-Funded Scholarships

Donor-funded scholarships may be available to students taking adult extension, youth and Pre-Collegiate Programs courses who demonstrate significant financial need. RISD CE programs do not qualify for federal or state financial aid through the FAFSA. Scholarship awards are limited and the amounts vary based on the quantity of qualified applications received. When granted, award amounts usually offset a portion of the tuition for a single course only. Applicants who have attended RISD CE courses or who have applied for scholarships in a/the previous semester(s) must be in good standing with RISD CE.

To apply, submit a Scholarship Application (available in the Student Portal during the fall and spring scholarship application windows) by the deadline specified on the RISD CE calendar. Late applications will not be processed. Please contact the RISD CE office at 401 454-6200 or risdce@risd.edu if you have questions.

The Arlene Shechet Fund was established in 2020 by Arlene Schechet MFA 78 CR. This need-based scholarship will provide one full scholarship for a Pre-College student with a preference for students with high financial need.

Additional Opportunities

ARTS Scholarships – generously sponsored by Textron Charitable Trust, with support from WPRI 12 and the PPAC Annual Fund.

Scholarships (up to $500) available for high school students grades 9–11 who wish to attend one art class at a Rhode Island institution. The applicant must demonstrate artistic ability and interest in painting and/or drawing. Visit the Rhode Island Foundation for an application.

Discounts and Reimbursements

Tuition discounts are available to senior citizens (ages 65+), RISD CE adult certificate recipients, RISD alumni, RISD matriculated students, and RISD Museum members. If you are eligible for a discount, you can apply it to your purchase during the checkout process. Students who receive tuition reimbursement from their employer may print an unofficial transcript from the Student Portal, confirming completion of a course or courses.