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Scholarships at the Barnes

Know before you apply: Application guidelines

General information:

  • Scholarships for individual short courses and semester courses are offered in the winter/spring, summer, and fall/winter.
  • Scholarships for online courses are offered on a rolling basis anytime they are offered.
  • Each year, Certificate Scholarships are offered to students interested in pursuing the Barnes–de Mazia Certificate Program. The Barnes awards two Violette de Mazia Scholarships and five Richard J. Wattenmaker Scholarships each year. Recipients of the Violette de Mazia Scholarship or Richard J. Wattenmaker Scholarship must complete the certificate within three years, or the balance of their scholarship will be forfeited. Exceptions to this are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Receiving a scholarship for one course does not guarantee scholarships for additional courses.
  • Scholarships are not awarded for close-looking immersions, horticulture classes, or other tours or programs at the Barnes.
  • Only one scholarship will be awarded per person, per semester.
  • The scholarship program is need-based.

How to apply:

  • For individual short courses and semester courses, please fill out the application form.
  • The application statement must be at least 100 words. Don’t worry—we’re not looking for an academic essay; just tell us why taking this class is important to you!
  • If you are applying for the two-year Barnes-de Mazia Certificate Scholarship, please fill out the application form and, additionally, submit a letter of support from a mentor or former teacher. Recommendation letters may be submitted separately from the rest of your application, but the application will not be reviewed until all materials are received. If the letter of support is being mailed to the Barnes on your behalf, please send attention of the Education department.

You filled out the application form. What happens next:

  • You will receive a confirmation email when you submit your scholarship application successfully. If you do not receive a confirmation email, we have not received your application.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • The courses are generally aimed at adults, but some exceptions can be made for minors 13 or older with a demonstrated ability to participate in college-level classes. Parental consent will be required.
  • Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee a space in the class.
  • Depending on availability, applications received after the deadline may be considered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Your application was accepted! Next steps:

  • Scholarship notification will be sent by email from education@barnesfoundation.org. Please add this email to your safe sender list.
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required to attend on-site classes; please check safety guidelines regarding current masking information.
  • Registration for on-site classes must be finalized by the deadline stipulated in the scholarship award email or the scholarship will be forfeited.
  • Scholarships cover tuition only. Students are responsible for buying class materials; however, most classes do not have material requirements
  • Scholarship applications and awards cannot be transferred from one class to another except with express permission from the Education department.
  • Scholarships cannot be transferred between semesters or people.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is an important part of the learning process. We ask that scholarship recipients make an effort to attend all classes. Failing to do so, or missing two or more classes in a semester course, may affect eligibility for future scholarships. Due to the nature of four-week short courses, any absence may affect eligibility for future scholarships.

Nondiscrimination Policy

The Barnes Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, national or ethnic origin, citizenship or immigration status, veteran status, disability, age, marital or familial status (including pregnancy), status as a victim of domestic or sexual violence, or genetic information when considering admissions, financial aid, participation in its programs, or employment. The Barnes Foundation will not retaliate against a person because he or she complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. For further information about this policy, contact: General Counsel of the Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA 19130.

Accessibility

The Barnes is committed to making its educational programs available to individuals with disabilities. If you are interested in enrolling in any educational program held at the Barnes and you use a mobility device or require accommodation to participate in the program, call 215.278.7300 to discuss how the Barnes can meet your needs.

Any questions? Contact us at 215.278.7300 or education@barnesfoundation.org.